NSW BOND GUIDE

Getting your bond back in New South Wales

General information, last reviewed 17 October 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources below.

In NSW, bonds are lodged with NSW Fair Trading through Rental Bonds Online. At the end of a tenancy the bond is paid out by agreement, or after a claim and, if it's disputed, an NCAT decision.

Who holds the bond

NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online) holds the bond, not the landlord or agent.

How a claim and dispute usually work

1. 1If you and the landlord or agent agree on how the bond should be paid out, the claim can be made and paid with everyone's agreement.
2. 2If the landlord or agent claims part or all of the bond without your agreement, you'll get a Notice of Claim (by email and SMS for online bonds, or by post for paper bonds) with a 14-day period to respond.
3. 3When they claim without your agreement, they must give you a copy of the end-of-tenancy condition report and copies of any estimates, quotes, invoices or receipts within 7 days of making the claim.
4. 4If you don't agree, you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within the 14-day period and tell Fair Trading in writing, so the bond is held until NCAT decides.
5. 5Try to negotiate first. The Tenants' Union of NSW has free information and tips.

Evidence that helps

• Your signed entry condition report, plus your own dated move-in photos of every room.
• Matching move-out photos taken from the same angles, before you hand back the keys.
• Copies of the claim notice, the exit condition report, and any quotes, invoices or receipts the landlord or agent relies on.
• Emails or messages about repairs, cleaning or agreed changes during the tenancy.
• A clear, item-by-item response: what's claimed, the amount, and why you agree or disagree.

Official sources

• NSW Gov: Dealing with bond disputes (tenants)
• Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW)
• NCAT tenancy factsheet

Free help: Tenants' Union of NSW

General information, not legal advice. This guide summarises official New South Wales sources as at 17 October 2026. It doesn't cover every situation. Time limits run from the dates on your actual notices, so check the official source or get free advice from Tenants' Union of NSW.