What happens if my landlord won't give my bond back in Tasmania?
If your landlord refuses to release your bond in Tasmania, you can submit a bond claim directly to the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA). If the landlord disputes your claim, the matter will be referred to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) for a final decision.
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How it works in practice
Claiming Your Bond Directly
In Tasmania, all residential rental bonds must be lodged with the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA). If your tenancy has ended and your landlord or property agent is ignoring you or refusing to sign the bond release form, you do not need their permission to start the process.
You can independently submit a claim form directly to the RDA. Once you submit your claim, the RDA will officially notify the landlord or property agent. They will be given a set period to either agree to the refund or formally dispute it.
Dispute Resolution and TASCAT
If the landlord disputes your claim because they believe you owe money for unpaid rent, insufficient cleaning, or damage beyond fair wear and tear, the RDA will pause the payout process.
You and the landlord will be encouraged to reach a mutual agreement regarding the disputed amount. If you cannot agree, the RDA will automatically refer the dispute to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT). TASCAT will hold a formal hearing where both sides present their evidence, and the tribunal will make a legally binding decision on how the bond money should be distributed.
Important exceptions
There are strict exceptions to how bond claims are processed if you owe outstanding rent or have caused malicious damage. The landlord has the legal right to claim a portion or all of your bond to cover these specific costs.
Additionally, if you do not respond to official correspondence from the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA) or TASCAT during a dispute process, a default decision may be made in the landlord's favor, resulting in the loss of your bond. Always ensure your contact details are up to date when submitting your claim.
What you should do now
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Obtain and complete a bond claim form from the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) website.
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Submit the completed claim form directly to the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA) without waiting for the landlord's signature.
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Wait for the RDA to notify your landlord and check if they lodge a formal dispute against your refund.
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Attempt to negotiate a mutual agreement with your landlord if they dispute the claim over cleaning or damages.
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Gather critical evidence, such as exit condition reports, emails, and photos, to present to TASCAT if the dispute goes to a tribunal hearing.
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