My bond · Queensland

Can they keep my bond?

The 4-week cap, lodging with the RTA, and disputing a claim.

1. 01Bond is capped at 4 weeks' rent

   s 146

   Where the rent is $700 a week or less, the bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent. Asking for or accepting more is an offence.

   You might have been told: "Six weeks' bond is standard." Not where the rent is $700 a week or less.

   Next step: If you were asked for more than 4 weeks' rent, say so in writing and ask for the excess back. The RTA can help.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 146; maximum bond defined in s 112 and the regulation

2. 02Your bond must be lodged with the RTA within 10 days

   s 116

   Whoever takes your bond must pay it to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) within 10 days and lodge the bond form. The agent or owner doesn't get to hold onto it.

   You might have been told: "We'll hold the bond in our trust account." It has to go to the RTA.

   Next step: Check your bond with the RTA (rta.qld.gov.au). If it isn't there, raise it with the agent and the RTA.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 116

3. 03You don't have to agree to a bond claim

   s 416

   If the agent wants to keep some of your bond and you disagree, you don't have to sign their refund form. Bond disputes go to the RTA's free dispute resolution service first, and then to QCAT if they're not resolved.

   You might have been told: "Sign this or you won't get anything back." You can dispute the claim instead.

   Next step: Lodge your own bond refund claim with the RTA, and keep your entry condition report, photos and receipts ready.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 416 (dispute resolution before tribunal)

The letter writer and free tools cover NSW for now. For help with your situation, ask above or contact Tenants Queensland at tenantsqld.org.au.