Your bond rights in ACT
The bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent.
Your rights in plain English
- It must be lodged with the ACT Rental Bonds Office within 2 weeks, and you must get a receipt.
- At the end, the landlord can only deduct for damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent and a few other set costs, with written reasons and a written cost estimate.
- When one side applies for the bond, the other has 2 weeks to dispute it. Disputes go to ACAT.
Put it in writing, with your rights spelled out
Our free email tool writes the message to your agent for ACT, quoting your rights. Keep dated photos and a record you can use at the end of your lease.
The email tool is free. The $29 Tenancy Pass adds your condition report and dated record for the whole lease, incl. GST, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
What your email should say
- Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT), you may only deduct for damage beyond fair wear and tear and other permitted costs, with written reasons and a written cost estimate.
- I do not agree to any deduction that is not itemised and supported in this way. If we cannot agree, I will dispute the claim with ACAT.
Where to get help
Access Canberra (13 22 81) · ACAT · Canberra Community Law Tenants' Advice.
Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT). General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.