How long does my landlord have to give back my bond in Victoria?
There is no exact time limit for your landlord, because your bond is held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) in Victoria. You can claim your bond directly online. If the landlord does not dispute it within 14 days, the RTBA will automatically refund your money.
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How it works in practice
The Role of the RTBA
In Victoria, landlords do not hold your rental bond. By law, all bonds are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). This protects your money and ensures that the landlord cannot simply refuse to give it back without a valid legal reason.
Claiming Your Bond Directly
You do not need to wait for your landlord's permission to get your bond back. The moment your tenancy ends and you hand over the keys, you can submit a bond refund claim directly through the RTBA Online portal as a tenant.
The 14-Day Dispute Period
Once you submit your claim, the RTBA will formally notify your landlord. The landlord then has exactly 14 days to dispute your claim by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
If they do not take official action within this 14-day window, the RTBA will process your request and automatically release the funds into your nominated bank account. If you and your landlord agree on the refund amount beforehand and submit a joint claim, the process is even faster and the money is usually deposited within a few business days.
Important exceptions
If your landlord disputes your bond claim by formally applying to VCAT within the 14-day window, the RTBA will freeze your bond. The funds will not be released until the dispute is resolved, either through mutual mediation or a binding order from the tribunal.
Additionally, if you do not have an RTBA registered email address or phone number, processing times for paper-based claims can take significantly longer. Finally, if you owe unpaid rent or caused property damage beyond fair wear and tear, the landlord has legal grounds to claim a portion or all of your bond.
What you should do now
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Clean the property thoroughly and compare its condition to your initial condition report, allowing for fair wear and tear.
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Return all sets of keys to your landlord or real estate agent to officially end your tenancy.
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Visit the RTBA Online website and initiate a bond refund claim directly using your bond lodgement details.
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Provide your current bank account details to the RTBA to ensure the prompt electronic transfer of your funds.
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Wait 14 days to see if your landlord disputes the claim, or attend a VCAT hearing if they officially challenge your refund.
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