Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia)
Date: [Letter date]
From: [Tenant's name]
Phone: [Tenant phone]
Email: [Tenant email]
Forwarding address: [Tenant forwarding address]
To: [Landlord's name]
Address: [Landlord's address]
Email: [Landlord email]
Re: Bond refund request -- former rental premises at [Property street address], [Suburb], [State] [Postcode]
1. TENANCY DETAILS.
I write to formally request the return of the security bond (rental bond) paid in connection with the above-mentioned rental premises. The tenancy commenced on [Tenancy start date] and I vacated the premises and returned the keys on [Vacate date].
2. BOND DETAILS.
Bond amount paid: $[Bond amount] AUD
Bond lodgement reference number: [Bond lodgement number]
Date bond was paid / lodged: [Bond paid date]
Amount requested for refund: $[Bond refund amount] AUD
The bond is held by the relevant state bond authority in [State]. Pursuant to the Residential Tenancies Act applicable in [State], I am entitled to a refund of my bond upon the termination of the tenancy, subject to any legitimate deductions for unpaid rent or property damage beyond fair wear and tear.
3. CONDITION OF PREMISES.
The premises were [Property condition statement].
I confirm that all rent has been paid to date and that there are no outstanding rent arrears. I am not aware of any damage to the premises beyond fair wear and tear as defined under the applicable Residential Tenancies Act.
4. REQUEST FOR BOND REFUND.
I request that you sign the joint bond claim form for the refund of $[Bond refund amount] AUD and lodge it with the relevant state bond authority on or before [Response deadline]. The bond claim form can be obtained from:
- NSW: NSW Fair Trading (www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au)
- VIC: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority -- RTBA (www.rtba.vic.gov.au)
- QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority -- RTA (www.rta.qld.gov.au)
- WA: Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (www.dmirs.wa.gov.au)
- SA: Consumer and Business Services (www.cbs.sa.gov.au)
- TAS: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (www.cbos.tas.gov.au)
- ACT: Access Canberra (www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au)
- NT: Consumer Affairs (consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au)
5. PAYMENT OF REFUND.
Please arrange for the bond refund to be paid to the following bank account: [Bank account details]. Alternatively, the bond authority will process the refund in accordance with the lodged bond claim form.
My forwarding address for all correspondence is: [Tenant forwarding address]
6. DISPUTE RESOLUTION.
If I do not receive confirmation that the bond refund will be processed by [Response deadline], or if a dispute arises regarding the bond amount, I reserve the right to apply to the relevant state tribunal for resolution. Under the applicable Residential Tenancies Act, either party may apply to the relevant tribunal -- such as NCAT in NSW, VCAT in VIC, or QCAT in QLD -- to determine the amount of bond to be refunded. I would prefer to resolve this matter without tribunal intervention and look forward to your prompt response.
Yours sincerely,
Name: [Tenant's name]
Date: [Letter date]
Forwarding address: [Tenant forwarding address]
Tenant
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia)?
A Bond Refund Request Letter in Australia grants a tenant the right to occupy residential premises and records the rent, bond, term, and the repair and notice obligations of landlord and tenant under the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW).
At the end of a tenancy, the bond is not automatically refunded. The bond authority requires either a joint bond claim form signed by both the tenant and landlord, or a tribunal order, before releasing the funds. A Bond Refund Request Letter formally initiates the process by requesting the landlord to agree to the refund and sign the joint bond claim form.
Under the Residential Tenancies Acts across all Australian states and territories, a security bond may only be applied by the landlord to cover specific legitimate expenses: unpaid rent, reasonable cleaning costs (where the property was not left in a reasonably clean condition), and damage to the property beyond fair wear and tear. The concept of fair wear and tear -- meaning normal deterioration expected from ordinary use of the premises over time -- is a key protection for tenants. Landlords cannot claim bond money for fair wear and tear, general maintenance, or pre-existing damage.
A Bond Refund Request Letter creates a formal written record of the tenant's claim to the bond, which is important evidence if the landlord contests the refund or proposes deductions the tenant disputes. The letter should reference the bond lodgement number, state the full bond amount paid, specify any agreed deductions, and set a reasonable deadline for the landlord to respond.
The legal framework governing the Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Section 52 of the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) prohibits misleading conduct in property transactions. The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) requires FIRB approval for foreign purchasers. Parties executing a Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia)?
A Bond Refund Request Letter is needed any time a residential tenancy has ended and the tenant wishes to formally initiate the process of recovering their bond from the landlord or bond authority. It is particularly useful in the following situations.
After vacating the rental property: Once the tenancy has ended and the tenant has returned the keys, cleaned the property, and vacated, the tenant should promptly write to the landlord requesting the bond refund. Most Residential Tenancies Acts set time limits within which the landlord must process the bond claim. A letter creates a written record of when the request was made.
Where the landlord is unresponsive: If the landlord does not contact the tenant about the bond refund after the tenancy ends, a formal written request puts the landlord on notice and starts a paper trail. If the landlord fails to respond by the deadline in the letter, the tenant can apply directly to the bond authority for a sole tenant bond claim in some states, or apply to the tribunal.
Where the landlord proposes deductions the tenant disputes: If the landlord claims the right to deduct amounts from the bond for cleaning, damage, or rent arrears that the tenant does not accept, a formal letter clearly stating the tenant's position and the amount of refund requested is an important step before escalating to a tribunal application.
Where the bond is substantial: For large bond amounts -- which in Australian cities are often equivalent to four weeks rent and can be several thousand dollars -- it is particularly important to have a formal written record of the refund request.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Section 52 of the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) prohibits misleading conduct in property transactions. The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) requires FIRB approval for foreign purchasers. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia)
An effective Australian Bond Refund Request Letter should contain the following key elements.
Party identification: The full legal name of the tenant (and all co-tenants if applicable), the tenant's current forwarding address, phone number, and email. The full legal name and mailing address of the landlord or property manager.
Property and tenancy details: The full address of the vacated rental property, the date on which the tenancy commenced, and the date on which the tenant vacated and returned the keys. These details allow the bond authority and landlord to identify the correct bond record.
Bond details: The total amount of bond paid at the commencement of the tenancy, the bond lodgement reference number (issued by the state bond authority when the bond was lodged), the date the bond was paid, and the amount being claimed as a refund. If the tenant agrees to some deductions, the letter should specify the agreed amounts and the net refund requested.
Property condition statement: A clear statement that the property was returned in a clean and undamaged condition consistent with the incoming condition report and allowing for fair wear and tear. If a final inspection was conducted, reference to the inspection date and its outcome should be included.
Request to sign bond claim form: A formal request that the landlord sign the joint bond claim form and lodge it with the relevant state bond authority by a specified deadline. The letter should identify the relevant authority for the applicable state.
Payment details: The tenant's preferred bank account details for the bond refund payment by the bond authority, or a request for payment by cheque to the forwarding address.
Dispute resolution: A statement that if the landlord does not respond or agree to the refund by the deadline, the tenant reserves the right to apply to the relevant state tribunal -- NCAT (NSW), VCAT (VIC), or QCAT (QLD) -- for a determination.
Additional compliance elements for a Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) used in Australia include: Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Section 52 of the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) prohibits misleading conduct in property transactions. The Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (Cth) requires FIRB approval for foreign purchasers. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/real-estate/notices/bond-refund-request-letter-australia
"Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/real-estate/notices/bond-refund-request-letter-australia.
@misc{formslegal-bond-refund-request-letter-australia,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Bond Refund Request Letter (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/real-estate/notices/bond-refund-request-letter-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Real Property Act 1900 (NSW)}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
In Australia, rental bonds are not held by the landlord -- they are lodged with a government bond authority in each state or territory. The relevant authorities are: NSW Fair Trading (NSW), the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority -- RTBA (VIC), the Residential Tenancies Authority -- RTA (QLD), Consumer and Business Services (SA), the Department of Mines Industry Regulation and Safety (WA), Consumer Building and Occupational Services (TAS), Access Canberra (ACT), and NT Consumer Affairs (NT). To get the bond back, both the tenant and landlord must complete a joint bond claim form and lodge it with the relevant authority. If the parties agree on the refund amount, the authority processes the payment. If there is a dispute, either party can apply to the relevant state tribunal. Under Australia law, Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Under Australian residential tenancy legislation, a landlord may only deduct from the bond for three categories of legitimate claims: unpaid rent arrears; cleaning costs where the property was not left in a reasonably clean condition (cleaning to a standard consistent with the incoming condition report); and damage to the property beyond fair wear and tear. Fair wear and tear means the normal, gradual deterioration of a property from ordinary use over time -- for example, minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, or faded paint. Landlords cannot deduct from the bond for fair wear and tear, general maintenance or repairs, pre-existing damage shown in the incoming condition report, or improvements. Tenants have the right to dispute any proposed deductions at the relevant state tribunal.
If the landlord refuses to sign the joint bond claim form or does not respond within a reasonable period, a tenant has several options depending on the state. In some states, the tenant can submit a sole tenant bond claim after a specified period if the landlord has not lodged a claim. In others, the tenant must apply to the relevant state tribunal -- NCAT (NSW), VCAT (VIC), QCAT (QLD), or the equivalent -- for an order directing how the bond is to be distributed. The tribunal will consider the evidence from both parties, including the incoming and outgoing condition reports, receipts, photos, and any correspondence, and make a binding determination. This is why sending a formal Bond Refund Request Letter and keeping a copy is important evidence. Under Australia law, Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
Australian residential tenancy legislation does not always set a specific number of days within which a landlord must return the bond, but the landlord is expected to process the joint bond claim form promptly after the tenancy ends and the premises are returned. If the landlord intends to make a claim against the bond for unpaid rent or damage, they must generally do so within a reasonable period and must apply to the tribunal if the tenant does not agree to the deductions. Tenants who experience unreasonable delays should send a formal Bond Refund Request Letter setting a deadline and, if the landlord does not respond, apply to the relevant state bond authority or tribunal. Under Australia law, Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
In most Australian states, the bond authority (not the landlord) holds the bond, and interest may or may not accumulate on bond funds depending on state policy. In Victoria, the RTBA does not pay interest to tenants or landlords on bond funds. In Queensland, the RTA similarly holds bonds in trust without individual interest payments. In NSW, NSW Fair Trading holds bonds in a trust fund. The question of interest on delayed bond refunds is generally a matter for the relevant bond authority and tribunal rather than a direct claim against the landlord. If a landlord deliberately delays or withholds a bond refund without justification, the tribunal may award compensation to the tenant. Under Australia law, Real Property Act 1900 (NSW), parties should seek independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer to confirm compliance with all applicable requirements. Under state and territory residential tenancies legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), and equivalent Acts in other jurisdictions, tenancy tribunals (NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria) adjudicate disputes. The Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and Transfer of Land Act 1958 (Vic) govern property registration through state land registries. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
Found an error? Let us knowRelated Documents
You may also find these documents useful:
Rent Increase Letter (Australia)
Create an Australian Rent Increase Letter notifying tenants of a rental increase. Provides correct notice periods required under state residential tenancy legislation (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA). Includes new rent amount and effective date.
Tenant Reference Letter (Australia) (Notices)
Provide a professional Tenant Reference Letter for a rental applicant in Australia. Written by a previous landlord or property manager confirming rental history, payment reliability, and property care. Helps tenants secure new accommodation in a competitive rental market.
Eviction Notice / Termination Notice (Australia)
An Eviction Notice — formally known as a Termination Notice — is a written notice issued by a landlord to a residential tenant requiring the tenant to vacate the rental premises by a specified date. In Australia, the right to issue such a notice, and the procedural requirements that must be satisfied for the notice to be legally valid, are governed by the residential tenancy legislation of each state and territory. Landlords who fail to comply with the prescribed notice periods, grounds, and service requirements risk having the notice declared invalid by the relevant tribunal. In New South Wales, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is the primary legislation. For a periodic tenancy, a landlord may issue a without-cause termination notice (sometimes called a no-grounds eviction notice) with at least 90 days' notice. For non-payment of rent, the required notice is 14 days. For a serious breach of the agreement — such as damage to the property, use of the premises for an illegal purpose, or endangering the safety of neighbours — shorter notice periods apply. At the end of a fixed-term agreement, if the landlord does not wish to offer a new tenancy, a minimum of 30 days' notice is required before the expiry date. In Victoria, under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (as amended by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018), a landlord terminating a periodic tenancy without cause must give at least 60 days' notice. For non-payment of rent, a 14-day notice applies. The Victorian Act specifies additional grounds for termination including sale requiring vacant possession (60 days), significant renovation or demolition (60 days), and the landlord's need to use the property for accommodation (60 days). Importantly, the Victorian Act also prohibits retaliatory evictions — a notice issued in response to a tenant exercising their rights under the Act may be challenged. In Queensland, under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, a landlord may terminate a periodic tenancy without grounds with two calendar months' notice. For non-payment of rent, the notice period is seven days in Queensland. For a fixed-term agreement, a landlord must give two months' notice before the end date if they do not intend to offer a further tenancy. Grounds such as landlord's need to occupy, sale requiring vacant possession, and significant repair or renovation require two months' notice. In Western Australia under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, the notice period for a without-cause termination of a periodic tenancy is 60 days. For rent arrears, a seven-day breach notice must first be issued; if the breach is not remedied, a further 60-day termination notice applies in most circumstances. In South Australia under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, similar provisions apply with 90 days' notice required for most without-cause periodic tenancy terminations. In the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory, comparable legislation prescribes the grounds and notice periods applicable in those jurisdictions. For a termination notice to be legally valid, it must generally be in writing, identify the premises with sufficient specificity, state the ground for termination (where one is required), specify the date by which the tenant must vacate, and be served by a method authorised by the applicable Act — typically personal delivery, registered post, or email where the tenant has consented to electronic service. If the tenant does not vacate by the date specified in a valid termination notice, the landlord cannot use self-help remedies such as changing the locks or removing the tenant's belongings. These actions are unlawful in every Australian jurisdiction and can expose the landlord to significant penalties. The landlord must apply to the relevant state tribunal for an order for possession — NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria, QCAT in Queensland, SAT in Western Australia, or SACAT in South Australia. This template assists landlords in preparing a properly documented termination notice that sets out the ground, the applicable notice period, bond information, and the tenant's obligations on vacating. It should be adapted to reflect the specific requirements of the state or territory in which the property is located and reviewed against current legislation before being issued.
Late Rent Notice / Breach Notice (Australia)
A Late Rent Notice — formally known in Australian residential tenancy law as a Breach Notice or Notice to Remedy Breach — is a written notice issued by a landlord to a tenant when rent has not been paid by the due date or has fallen into arrears. The notice formally documents the breach, states the total amount of rent outstanding, and gives the tenant a prescribed number of days to pay the arrears before further action is taken. Issuing a properly drafted breach notice for non-payment of rent is an important step in the formal process and is often a prerequisite to issuing a termination notice or making an application to a state tribunal. In New South Wales, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 sets out the procedure for dealing with a tenant in rent arrears. Under that Act, a landlord may issue a termination notice for non-payment of rent if the tenant is at least 14 days behind in their rent. The notice must give the tenant at least 14 days to remedy the breach by paying the arrears. If the tenant pays all arrears within the notice period, the notice lapses and the tenancy continues. If the tenant fails to pay within the notice period, the landlord may apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for an order terminating the tenancy. In Victoria, under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, a similar process applies. A landlord may issue a notice to remedy a breach for non-payment of rent if the tenant is at least 14 days in arrears. The notice must give the tenant 14 days to pay all outstanding rent. If the breach is not remedied, the landlord may give a notice of intention to vacate (termination notice) and subsequently apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 prescribes a different and shorter notice period for rent arrears. A landlord may issue a Notice to Remedy Breach when rent is at least seven days overdue. The tenant must be given at least seven days to remedy the breach by paying the arrears. If the breach is not remedied, the landlord may issue a Notice to Leave (termination notice) and apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). In Western Australia under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, a landlord may serve a breach notice when rent is seven or more days overdue. The tenant is given a specified period to remedy the breach. In South Australia under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, a landlord may issue a notice to remedy a breach for rent arrears of at least 14 days, with the tenant given 14 days to pay. A breach notice for non-payment of rent should clearly identify the parties and the premises, state the amount of rent overdue and the period for which it has been unpaid, specify the date of the last payment received, give a clear deadline by which all arrears must be paid, and set out the payment method. The notice should also warn the tenant that failure to remedy the breach within the stated period may result in a termination notice being issued and a tribunal application being made. Sending a Late Rent Notice at an early stage — even before the minimum statutory period has expired — serves as a clear record of the landlord's communication and can encourage prompt payment before the situation escalates to formal termination proceedings. It also demonstrates to a tribunal that the landlord acted reasonably and gave the tenant a clear opportunity to remedy the breach. This template is designed to assist landlords in preparing a clear, properly documented breach notice for non-payment of rent that complies with the general requirements of Australian residential tenancy legislation. It should be reviewed and adapted to reflect the specific requirements of the state or territory in which the property is located before being issued.
Lease Termination Notice (Tenant) (Australia)
A Lease Termination Notice (Tenant) -- known in Australian residential tenancy law as a Notice of Intention to Vacate -- is a formal written notice given by a tenant to their landlord or property manager stating the tenant's intention to end the tenancy and vacate the rental premises on a specified date. The notice must comply with the minimum notice periods prescribed by the Residential Tenancies Act applicable in the relevant state or territory. In New South Wales, under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, a tenant wishing to terminate a periodic tenancy must give at least 21 days written notice. For a fixed-term tenancy, a tenant who wishes to vacate at the end of the fixed term must give at least 14 days notice before the end of the fixed term. Where a tenant vacates before the end of a fixed-term tenancy, they may be liable for break lease fees and costs as set out in the Act. In Victoria, under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, a tenant giving notice to end a periodic tenancy must give at least 28 days notice. For a fixed-term tenancy, if the tenant intends to vacate at the end of the fixed term, they must give at least 28 days notice before that end date. In Queensland, under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, a tenant ending a periodic tenancy must give at least 14 days notice. For a fixed-term tenancy ending at the expiry date, two weeks notice before the end of the term is required. In Western Australia under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, a tenant giving notice on a periodic tenancy must provide at least 21 days notice. South Australia, Tasmania, ACT, and the Northern Territory each prescribe their own notice periods under their respective residential tenancy legislation. The notice must include the full names of the tenant and landlord, the address of the rental premises, the date of the notice, the intended vacate date, and should be delivered in a manner authorised under the relevant Act. Where applicable, the notice should also address the return of the bond, request a final inspection, and confirm the tenant's forwarding address. This template assists tenants across all Australian states and territories in preparing a compliant, professional notice of intention to vacate that meets the formal requirements of the applicable Residential Tenancies Act.