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VIC BOND GUIDE

Getting your bond back in Victoria

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

In Victoria, bonds are held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). It only repays a bond when everyone on the bond agrees, or under an order from VCAT (or RDRV).

Who holds the bond

The Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) holds the bond.

How a claim and dispute usually work

  1. 1Before claiming any of the bond, the rental provider must tell you at least 3 business days before lodging the claim, and give you supporting evidence (invoices, receipts, quotes or photos) that doesn't contradict the condition report.
  2. 2Rental providers can't claim the bond for fair wear and tear, or for damage that was their responsibility to repair.
  3. 3If a claim is lodged that you haven't agreed to, the RTBA notifies the other parties on the bond and gives them 14 days to contest it by applying to Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) or VCAT.
  4. 4If you can't agree, either side can apply to RDRV for help; if that doesn't resolve it, VCAT can make a binding order that the RTBA follows.
  5. 5Renters can also start a bond claim themselves through the RTBA after the agreement ends.

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

Free help: Tenants Victoria

Keep the proof from day one

Create a free move-in report with timestamped, fingerprinted photos. If a claim comes, the A$29 Dispute Pack helps you respond item by item with Victoria letter wording and a deadline countdown.

Start free move-in reportI've got a bond claim

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