Your bond rights in New South Wales
The bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent.
Your rights in plain English
- It must be lodged with NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online), and you must get a receipt.
- At the end, the landlord can only claim for costs they can prove, such as damage or unpaid rent, and not for fair wear and tear.
- If the landlord makes a claim, respond within 14 days or it will be paid out their way. You can still apply to NCAT within 6 months.
- Disputes go to NSW Fair Trading, then NCAT.
Put it in writing, with your rights spelled out
Our free email tool writes the message to your agent for New South Wales, 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 2010 (NSW), you may not claim for fair wear and tear, and any claim must be supported by evidence.
- I do not agree to any deduction that is not itemised and supported by evidence. If we cannot agree, I will dispute the claim with NCAT.
Where to get help
NSW Fair Trading (13 32 20) · NCAT · Tenants' Union NSW.
Source: Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.