KeepMyBondWA BOND GUIDE
Getting your bond back in Western Australia
General information, last reviewed 17 October 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources below.
In Western Australia, bonds are held by Bonds Administration (part of Consumer Protection WA). Anyone on the bond can apply to release it; if the application is disputed or not answered, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection decides how it's paid out.
Who holds the bond
Bonds Administration (Consumer Protection WA) holds the bond until the end of the tenancy.
Key rules at a glance
- Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent where the weekly rent is $1,200 or less (no cap above $1,200 a week), plus a pet bond of up to $350.
- The bond must be lodged with Bonds Administration within 14 days of being paid.
- Move-in: the landlord must give you two copies of the property condition report within 7 days of moving in. Return a completed copy within 7 days, or you're taken to agree with it.
- Move-out: the landlord must give you a copy of the outgoing property condition report within 14 days of you moving out.
How a claim and dispute usually work
- 1If someone applies to release the bond without your agreement, Bonds Administration sends you a notice. You usually have 14 days to agree or dispute (extra time is allowed for postage); the notice states the exact date.
- 2If anyone disputes, or doesn't respond in time, the application is automatically referred to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection.
- 3Everyone is then invited to make a submission, with 10 days to respond (you can ask for more time). Send your evidence: condition reports, photos, invoices and your reasons.
- 4If you disagree with the Commissioner's decision, you have 7 days to appeal to the Magistrates Court (Form 12 through eCourts), and you must send the lodged Form 12 to Bonds Administration within 7 days of receiving the decision to stop the bond being paid out.
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 Protection WA: Bond disputes for residential tenancies
- Consumer Protection WA: Steps to release a bond (infographic)
- Consumer Protection WA: Appealing a Commissioner's decision
- Consumer Protection WA: New bonds process FAQs
- Consumer Protection WA: Rental bonds
- Consumer Protection WA: Property condition reports
Free help: Circle Green Community Legal (tenancy)
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 Western Australia letter wording and a deadline countdown.
General information, not legal advice. This guide summarises official Western 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 Circle Green Community Legal (tenancy).