A Bond is a security deposit held by the Rental Bond Board until you move out. It is usually equivalent to one month's rent. It will usually be refunded fully if you don’t owe any money on rent and have not caused any damage to the house or property.
Sometimes landlords or Real Estate agents attempt to charge you more out of your bond than they should. If you think you've been treated unfairly it's worth negotiating with them about it as a first step, and then contacting your Tenants Union or other advisory service who can advocate on your behalf.
You can get advice on issues such as how to get your full bond back, or how to come up with your bond in the first place from the following services.
AUSTRALIA WIDE
Centrelink
For rent assistance, if you are a social security recipient.
Call: 131021 (Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00)
NSW
Tenants Union NSW
For tenancy information
Call: 1800 251 101
www.tenants.org.au
NSW Department of Housing
For help with bond payment and rent advance for a new tenancy, under the Rentstart scheme.
Call: 131571 (24 hours, 7 days)
www.housing.nsw.gov.au
Office of Fair Trading
For rental bond information
Call: 1800 422 021 (toll-free)
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal
For complaints about a landlord for breaching a tenancy agreement.
Call: 1300 135 399
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/cttt.html
Aboriginal Tenancy Information
Call: 1800 500 330
QLD
Residential Tenancies Authority
Will provide information about your bond/housing.
Call: 1300 366 311 (Mon-Fri 830am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm)
www.rta.qld.gov.au
VIC
Tenants Union of Victoria
Provides advice, assistance and advocacy for tenants of private and public residential properties and residents of rooming houses and caravan parks in Victoria.
Call: 03 9416 2577 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am-4pm, Wed 1pm-8pm)
www.tuv.org.au
TAS
Tenants Union Tasmania
Will give you support and advice on your rights as a tenant.
Call: 1300 652 641 (Mon-Fri 930am-4pm)
www.tutas.org.au
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