How do I get my bond back? A step-by-step guide

The process for claiming back your rental bond is pretty simple. But there are some things you should consider, days or perhaps months, before the big move.

While you’re still living at the property

Check your rental condition report

You’ll typically get your bond back unless the rental provider makes a compensation claim. This might happen if you:

• damage the property (this excludes general wear and tear)
• make changes without permission
• fail to leave the property reasonably clean, or
• owe money for rent or other charges.

While you’re still living on the property, carefully read your rental condition report. This report will be used to assess changes at the end of the tenancy – so when you first move in, make sure everything is logged. Take the time to note every crack, dent and smudge. It’s also a good idea to have timestamped photographs of every room in the house.

Fix issues as they arise

It may seem tempting to ignore minor issues around the house, such as mould or mild dry rot on the outside of a window, but it’s better to get them sorted now, rather than at moving out time.

This is especially true if you accidentally break something, even if it’s just a small tile. Letting your rental provider know early – or fixing it yourself, if it’s allowed in the contract – is usually cheaper than having them arrange a quote at the end of your lease.

When it’s time to move out

Attend the final inspection

It’s in the interest of both you and your rental provider to have both parties at the final inspection. You want to make sure you’re both on the same page about potential claims and be able to discuss issues of wear and tear.

In the case of a disagreement, it may be hard to get evidence to support you once you hand over the keys and no longer have access to the property.

Update your contents insurance

While this isn’t related to bond refunds, we thought we’d pop it in because it may help you save money in the event of an incident.

The moving house period is the best time to reassess how much your belongings are worth and update your insurance accordingly.

You also want to make sure that your insurance extends to the moving period, so you’re covered, if for example, the vehicle carrying your belongings overturns in an accident.

GIO Contents Insurance will cover you in this scenario while you’re permanently moving to a new address in Australia. We’ll also cover loss or damage caused by fire (including bushfire), flood and theft of the moving vehicle carrying your contents in transit.

Get a Contents Insurance quote 

Claiming your bond

How long does it take

It usually takes one or two business days if the bond claim form is submitted online – but it really depends on your state’s RTA.

The bond claim form, or bond release form, is typically filled out after the final inspection, once the refund amount is agreed on.

Submitting the bond claim form

The exact steps for this vary state by state. Always refer to the official guidelines of the RTA where you reside.

But generally, you’ll need to fill in a form online and provide info like your bond number, the handover date, as well as your email address and bank account details.

Read more:

• Renting and contents insurance explained 
• What does GIO Home and Contents Insurance cover?
• How to get portable valuables insurance with GIO

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination  is also available. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply.