How to dispute a bond claim at NCAT (NSW)

If your landlord or agent has claimed some or all of your bond, you have 14 days from receiving the Notice of Claim from NSW Fair Trading to dispute it by applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The application fee is modest (check NCAT's current fee schedule — typically around $60, with concession rates), and the disputed amount stays with Fair Trading until the tribunal decides.

1. Check the claim itself

Read exactly what is being claimed and for how much. Deductions must relate to actual loss — unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning to return the property to its move-in state. Vague line items ("general cleaning — $400") with no receipts or quotes are exactly the kind of claim the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) lets you test.

2. Apply within the 14 days

Apply through NCAT's Consumer and Commercial Division (tenancy). Don't spend the window negotiating and miss the deadline — you can keep negotiating after you've applied, and withdraw if you settle. Missing the window means the claim is paid out as lodged.

3. Build your evidence bundle

• Ingoing and outgoing condition reports, side by side
• Date-stamped photos from move-in and move-out
• Receipts — cleaning, repairs, and proof of rent paid
• Correspondence with the agent or landlord, in date order
• The landlord's claim itemised, with your response to each line

The party claiming against the bond has to substantiate their claim — your job is to make the gaps in theirs visible. The Tenants' Union bond factsheet covers what tribunals generally accept.

4. The hearing

NCAT tenancy hearings are designed for people without lawyers. Members ask questions directly; bring three copies of your bundle (you, the member, the other side), answer what's asked, and let your documents do the arguing. If you have an active hearing and need advice, contact the Tenants' Union of NSW before the day.