TAS BOND GUIDE

Getting your bond back in Tasmania

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

In Tasmania, bonds are held by the Rental Deposit Authority and managed online through MyBond. Disputed claims are decided by the Residential Tenancy Commissioner. (Consumer Affairs Tasmania now runs the renting information formerly published by CBOS.)

Who holds the bond

The Rental Deposit Authority holds the bond (managed through MyBond).

Key rules at a glance

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent. It can't be increased during the tenancy.
• Agents must lodge a bond paid directly to them with the Rental Deposit Authority within 10 working days.
• If a bond is required, the owner must give you two signed copies of a condition report at or before the start of the tenancy. Add anything missing and return one signed copy within 2 days. Clear, dated photos are also accepted as a condition record.

How a claim and dispute usually work

1. 1The owner or agent must start a claim in MyBond within 3 working days of you returning the keys, or tell you why they haven't and when they will.
2. 2Once a claim is lodged you're notified and must approve or dispute it within 10 days. If you do nothing, the bond may be paid out as claimed.
3. 3If it's disputed, all parties get a dispute notification and have 10 working days to upload evidence in MyBond.
4. 4The Residential Tenancy Commissioner then decides based on the evidence (this can sometimes take more than 90 days). If you disagree with the determination, you can appeal to the Magistrates Court of Tasmania.

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

• Consumer Affairs Tasmania: Claiming a rental bond
• Consumer Affairs Tasmania: Disputing a rental bond claim
• Guide to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner (PDF)
• Consumer Affairs Tasmania: Bond lodgement
• Consumer Affairs Tasmania: Condition reports

Free help: Tenants' Union of Tasmania

General information, not legal advice. This guide summarises official Tasmania 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 Tasmania.