How to get your bond back in NSW

When your tenancy ends in NSW, you don't have to wait for your landlord or agent to release your bond — you can claim it yourself through Rental Bonds Online. Your bond isn't held by the landlord; it's held by NSW Fair Trading. If nobody disputes your claim within 14 days, the bond is paid out to you. If your landlord wants to keep part of it, they must make a claim — and you have the right to dispute that claim at NCAT.

Step 1: Re-read your ingoing condition report

The condition report completed when you moved in is the single most important document in a bond dispute under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). Whatever was already marked as worn, scuffed or damaged when you arrived cannot fairly be deducted from your bond when you leave. Compare the property against it room by room before your final clean.

Step 2: Document everything before you hand back the keys

After cleaning, photograph every room — walls, floors, carpets, oven, bathroom seals, balcony — and keep receipts for any professional cleaning or repairs. Date-stamped photos matched against the condition report are exactly the evidence a tribunal looks for. The bond recovery checklist covers the full list.

Step 3: Lodge your own claim through Rental Bonds Online

Once you've returned the keys, submit your refund claim through Rental Bonds Online. Many renters wait for the agent to act — you don't need to. Lodging first matters: it starts the clock, and if your landlord doesn't respond within 14 days, NSW Fair Trading releases the bond to you.

Step 4: If a claim is made against your bond

If your landlord or agent lodges a claim on the bond without your agreement, NSW Fair Trading sends you a Notice of Claim. From that point you have 14 days to dispute it by applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). Miss the window and the claim is paid out as lodged — so act on the notice the day it arrives.

What can't be taken from your bond

Fair wear and tear is not damage. Carpet flattened by furniture, minor scuffs from ordinary living, faded paint — under the Act, these are the landlord's cost of doing business, not yours. The Tenants' Union bond factsheet has a good breakdown of the difference.