Bond not returned

You left it spotless. They kept the bond 'for carpet'.

Most bonds are lodged with a state bond authority, and disputes usually go to the tenancy list of your state tribunal — not small claims. We'll help you write the demand and point you at the right tenancy forum.

Start a bond claim

Sounds familiar?

Landlord claims 'damage' that was there at move-in
Agent sits on the bond claim form
Private landlord never lodged the bond

Evidence checklist

Lease agreementkey
Entry & exit condition reportskey
Dated move-out photos/video
Bond lodgement number

Watch out for

Tenancy matters have their own forums and strict time limits — sometimes as short as a few weeks.
Unlodged bonds can be a breach in themselves — report it.

Where it usually goes

State tenancy tribunal (NCAT Tenancy, VCAT Residential Tenancies, QCAT via RTA, etc.).

NSW guide VIC guide QLD guide SA guide WA guide TAS guide ACT guide NT guide

Questions

Does SueAnyone file tenancy applications?

The letter of demand works for every bond dispute. For filing, our forum detector flags that tenancy disputes go to a different list and gives you the right links.

Stop being nice about it.

Build your case free in about 10 minutes. Letter of demand first, statement of claim and court pack if they ignore it. Court-ready from $99 incl. GST.

Start my court case