Getting the bond back

The tenant should get back their bond if:

• there is no damage to the property, and
• it is left reasonably clean and tidy, and
• the rent is up to date.

Remember this is the tenant’s money and should be returned to them unless there is a good reason for it not to be.

If the tenant and the landlord agree about how the bond should be refunded then both should sign the bond refund form and return it to Tenancy Services (s 22 RTA).

It usually takes about 15 working days for a bond refund to be processed after a fully completed form is submitted.

The bond is refunded to whatever bank account the tenant gives on the bond refund form.

If the tenant and the landlord can’t agree, the tenant can still submit the completed bond refund form and then the landlord will have 10 days to object to the return of the bond (s 22A RTA). If the landlord objects then the matter will normally go to the Tenancy Tribunal (s 22B RTA).

It’s important to be aware that the landlord can also seek payment of the bond in this way if there is no agreement, so it is a good idea for the tenant to submit the bond refund form as quickly as possible if the parties are in dispute.

A tenant can transfer the bond from their previous tenancy to a new one, if the previous and new landlords agree to it. The tenant and both old and new landlords will have to sign a bond transfer form. The new landlord will then send the form to Tenancy Services.

If the amount of the old bond is more than the new bond, the tenant is entitled to receive a refund for the excess amount. If the new bond is more, then the tenant must give the new landlord extra money to make up the difference.