How much bond can a landlord ask for in Victoria?
A landlord in Victoria can legally ask for a maximum of one month's rent as a rental bond, provided your weekly rent is $900 or less. They cannot demand more than this amount for standard properties under this price threshold.
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How it works in practice
Understanding Bond Limits in Victoria
When you sign a new residential rental agreement in Victoria, the amount of bond a landlord can legally request is strictly regulated by state law to protect tenants from excessive upfront costs.
The One-Month Rent Cap
For the vast majority of rental properties, the maximum bond is capped at exactly one month's rent. This rule applies as long as your weekly rent is $900 or less. Your landlord or property manager cannot legally demand a higher bond amount, even if the property is fully furnished or if you have pets.
How the Bond is Held
Once you pay your bond, the landlord or real estate agent cannot keep the money in their own bank account. By law, they must lodge the funds with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 14 days of receiving the payment.
RTBA Receipts
After the bond is lodged, the RTBA will send you an official receipt with a unique bond receipt number. This document is crucial because it serves as your official proof that the bond is securely held in a government trust account until your tenancy ends.
Important exceptions
There are specific exceptions to the one-month bond limit in Victoria.
If your weekly rent exceeds $900, the maximum bond cap does not apply, and the landlord can legally request a higher bond amount, usually determined by mutual agreement or market conditions.
Additionally, a landlord may apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for an exemption to charge a higher bond if the property was the landlord's primary residence before renting, or if it contains valuable antique furniture or fixtures.
Finally, if a tenant is on a long-term lease exceeding five years, the landlord might request an additional bond to reflect rent increases, provided they follow strict legal notification processes.
What you should do now
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Calculate your maximum legal bond by ensuring it does not exceed one month's rent if your weekly rent is $900 or under.
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Request a formal receipt from the landlord or real estate agent immediately after handing over your initial bond payment.
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Check your email or mail for the official lodgement receipt from the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 15 days of payment.
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Contact the RTBA directly to investigate and confirm your funds are secure if you do not receive an official receipt on time.
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Keep your RTBA receipt and bond number in a safe place, as you will need this information to claim your refund when you move out.
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