Your bond rights in Northern Territory
The bond (called a security deposit) can't be more than 4 weeks' rent.
Your rights in plain English
- The NT has no bond authority. Your landlord holds the bond in trust, and you can ask in writing where it's held. You must get a receipt.
- Within 7 business days of you moving out, the landlord must either return the full bond or give you a bond notice with a statutory declaration and quotes or invoices.
- They can't deduct for fair wear and tear, and professional cleaning isn't automatically required.
- Disputes go to NTCAT.
Put it in writing, with your rights spelled out
Our free email tool writes the message to your agent for Northern Territory, 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 1999 (NT), you must return my full bond within 7 business days of the end of the tenancy, or give me a valid bond notice with a statutory declaration and quotes or invoices.
- You may not deduct for fair wear and tear. If we cannot agree, I will apply to NTCAT.
Where to get help
NT Consumer Affairs (1800 019 319) · NTCAT · Darwin Community Legal Service.
Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT). General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.