Need to Know Information for Rental Bonds In QLD

Step 1 – Know Your Rights

In Queensland when you rent a place to live, you will usually be asked to pay a rental bond.

The rules around bonds are set out in the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, the bond is required to be held by the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority).

General requirements of rental provider/lessor

It is an offence for a rental provider/lessor (landlord, managing agent, or similar) if they do not lodge your bond with the RTA.
The bond must be lodged within 10 days of your rental provider/lessor receiving the bond.
If the RTA receives a bond amount larger than required, they will return any excess to you.

How much is the rental bond?

It is an offence for a rental provider/lessor (landlord, managing agent, or similar) to charge more than the maximum bond set out in the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
For General Tenancies
- If your rent is $700 or less, the maximum bond is equal to 4 weeks’ rent.
  - Example: My weekly rent is $500. My maximum bond is $2000.
- If your rent is more than $700, there is no maximum bond. However, we suggest you negotiate with your agent to a maximum of 4 weeks’ rent.
For Rooming Accommodation
- If your rent is $500 or less, the maximum bond is equal to 4 weeks’ rent.
  - Example: My weekly rent is $300. My maximum bond is $1200.
- If your rent is more than $500, there is no maximum bond. However, we suggest you negotiate with your rental provider/lessor to a maximum of 4 weeks’ rent.

Does my rental provider keep my bond?

No, the rental provider/lessor must lodge the bond with the RTA.
The rental provider/lessor (or the person you paid your bond to) must give you a receipt as soon as they receive the bond payment. The receipt must have the following details:
- Your name and the name of the rental provider/lessor.
- The name and signature of the person receiving the bond
- The address of the rental premises
- The date the bond has been paid
- The amount of bond that has been paid
- If there are co-tenants, each tenant’s name, and the amount they paid.

Save your receipt!

TOP TIP: Save your rental receipt in your Rent Rabbit TenantVault™

Will I receive notification from the RTA about my bond lodgment?

Yes, the RTA will send you a notification of your bond within 2 weeks.
If you do not receive notice from the RTA please contact them on 1300 366 311. Have your tenancy agreement ready.

Can my bond be increased?

Your bond may be increased if your rent is increased, however, the 4 weeks rent rule still applies.
Bond can only be increased once in a 12-month period
You must receive 1 month’s written notice prior to the increase
Your bond may not increase if you have a fixed rental agreement unless it is written in your rental tenancy agreement.

Save your receipt!

TOP TIP: Save your RTA receipt in your Rent Rabbit TenantVault™

Bond refunds and release of the bond

When you move out if you do not leave the premises clean, have caused damage, or are behind in rent, your rental provider/lessor may be entitled to claim monies from your bond.
You do not have to agree with your lessor/rental provider on the refund. If you do not agree, you can lodge a Form 4 with the RTA. The RTA will act on the first claim form they receive and will notify the other party that they have received a claim.
The RTA is responsible for the bond dispute process.
You are within your rights to start the claim of your bond (you do not need to wait for your rental provider/lessor)
- Refund of Rental Bond – Form 4
- The online form is located here
If everyone agrees all parties can fill and sign the Refund of Rental Bond form and send it into the RTA.
- Remember, signatories must match the original documentation submitted.