SA BOND GUIDE

Getting your bond back in South Australia

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

In South Australia, bonds are held by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). Claims are made through Residential Bonds Online; a disputed claim can be negotiated with counter-offers or escalated to SACAT.

Who holds the bond

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) holds the bond, on behalf of the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs.

Key rules at a glance

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent if the weekly rent is $800 or less, or 6 weeks' rent if it's more than $800.
• A landlord must lodge a bond they receive with CBS within 2 weeks (registered agents have 4 weeks), and give you a receipt within 48 hours.
• At the start of the agreement the landlord or agent must give you a signed copy of the inspection sheet recording the property's condition. It's used for comparison when you move out.

How a claim and dispute usually work

1. 1If the landlord or agent claims part of the bond without your consent, they must give CBS evidence for the claim, and CBS notifies you.
2. 2You can accept, make a counter-offer, or escalate to SACAT. Respond by the date in the notice (the notice period is generally 14 days).
3. 3If you don't respond in time, you're treated as 'silent' and CBS assesses the landlord's evidence. It may release the amount claimed if the evidence is sufficient.
4. 4Each counter-offer in Residential Bonds Online has a 10-day timeframe. Parties can counter-offer up to seven times before the matter must go to SACAT.

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

• CBS: Settling a bond dispute
• SACAT: End of tenancy disputes
• Law Handbook SA: Finalising a tenancy
• CBS: Bonds FAQs
• SA.GOV.AU: Rent and bond payments

Free help: SA Tenancy advice (CBS) 131 882

General information, not legal advice. This guide summarises official South Australia 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 SA Tenancy advice (CBS) 131 882.