Before you rent a new place in Brisbane, you need to know certain things about the rental agreement and bond deposit. You need to pay the bond deposit as a security fee for the property. Knowing about the rules and fees in advance can help you to easily manage your expenses and plan proper budgeting before you move in.
Rental bonds in Queensland are administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) and these regulations specify exactly how much a landlord can take for bonds, the account where a bond must be put and how to apply for return or repayment.
In this blog, we will talk about the Brisbane Rental Market: What New Tenants Should Know About Bonds.
What is a rental bond?
A rental bond is an amount of money paid by a tenant at the commencement of a tenancy as security for certain issues that may occur during the tenancy. This can, for example, help cover things like unpaid rent or damages caused by a tenant.
It should be noted that a bond is not a fee paid to the landlord.
For general residential tenancy, bonds in Queensland must generally be lodged with the RTA for storage until the conclusion of the lease term. A new tenant should have records to show that a bond has been paid to the landlord/property agent.
What bond can a tenant be asked to pay in Brisbane?
One of the most critical Queensland rental reforms to be aware of for tenants is the limitation placed on rental bonds.
RTA has made a rule for the tenants to give a bond deposit of 4 weeks’ rent. This rule is applicable after September 30, 2024. Your landlord can only ask for a bond deposit of 4 weeks, dosent matter if your weekly rent is high or low.
For example:
- The weekly rent is $500 and you can be asked to pay a bond amount up to $2000.
- The weekly rent is $650 and you can be asked to pay a bond amount up to $2600.
- The weekly rent is $800 and you can be asked to pay a bond amount up to $3200.
For those tenants moving to a high-rent Brisbane apartment or house, this change will make a big difference, as they are already likely facing other outlays of cash for the moving process itself, utilities, other bonds and two weeks’ rent in advance.
When should the bond be lodged?
Usually, a rental bond should be lodged with the RTA, rather than with the property manager or the owner.
Whoever receives the bond has normally up to 10 days to lodge it with the RTA. A receipt is given to the landlord and the tenant for the successful submission of the bond deposit with RTA.
New tenants should keep their receipts and bond number with their records and this information in an accessible location.
Proofread and acknowledge the entry condition report at the start
One of the surest ways to ensure your bond is safeguarded starts even before the boxes are unpacked.
As you move into your new Brisbane rental, comprehensively document and inspect the existing condition of the rental. Note in particular:
- The walls, ceilings and floors
- Carpets and rugs
- The doors, locks and door handles
- Windows and screens
- All kitchen and bathroom facilities and fixtures
- Garden and outside areas
- Any existing marks, stains or damage.
Include photos or a video where the damage is extensive or you feel it is needed, and date your photographs or videos and secure one copy for your records. This will demonstrate to a third party at the end of the lease what, if any damage has resulted during your occupancy, and what damage, if any already existed.
Quick Reference Table: Brisbane Bonds at a Glance
| Topic | Things you should know |
| Maximum bond amount that can be collected from tenant | 4 weeks’ rent can be collected. |
| Who has the rental bond | The RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority), not your landlord |
| What is the Lodgement deadline? | Within 10 days of payment |
| For Example: $650/week house | Bond collected at $2,600and not more than that |
| Example: $570/week unit | Bond capped at $2,280 |
| What is the refund process at the end of the lease? | You need to apply online through RTA Web Services at the end of the move-out. |
| How to solve the Bond disputes? | Resolved through QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) |
How Can You Help Your Bond Stay Safe?
Here are a few easy things new tenants in Brisbane can do to decrease the chances of having any issues with their bond:
- Hold onto a record of your bond payment.
- Make sure to contact the RTA about your bond being held by them.
- Make sure to properly fill out the entry condition report.
- Take proper record of the house condition during your visit to the property.
- Keep copies of tenancy agreements, tenancy forms and any emails/letters between yourself and your landlord.
- Be diligent about reporting maintenance and repairs immediately.
- Maintain the property in a reasonable state of cleanliness during the tenancy.
- Providing the correct bank details is crucial to get the refund.
- Make sure to respond quickly to any mail or notice of the bond claims.
Conclusion: Things to keep in mind for New Brisbane Tenants
Bond security is deposited with the RTA authority. Make sure to go through the rules set by the RTA for the security deposit to properly manage your expenses. You will be required to pay a rent of the for weeks as your security deposit. Landlords cannot ask you for more than 4 weeks’ rent as the deposit.
Make sure you properly take pictures and videos of the condition during the first visit and keep them as proof for any dispute that may arise at the end of the lease.
The bond cleaning Brisbane is a top company that provides bond cleaning services at affordable prices. The company has years of experience in cleaning the rental properties and has helped tenants get their full bond refund. Feel free to learn more about the bond cleaning services.
Contact details
Company Name – The Bond Cleaning Brisbane
Working Hours
Mon – Fri: 08.00 am – 10.00 pm Saturday: 08.00 am – 02.00 pm Sunday: Closed
Contact – +61435144336
E-mail – info@thebondcleaningbrisbane.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pay for a rental bond in Brisbane?
You will have to pay the bond deposit of 4 weeks’ rent in advance.
Will I get the bond back after I move?
You will get the bond back at the end of the moving-out process.
Landlord wants to charge me five weeks’ rent as a bond. Is that okay?
Landlord cannot charge you a security deposit of more than 4 weeks’ rent according to the tenancy rules.
4. How do I know my bond has been lodged with the RTA?
The RTA will lodge the bond and you will receive a lodgement acknowledgement.
5. If rent is increased, can my bond be increased as well?
An increase in rent can mean a corresponding increase in bond. Landlords can only ask for more bond money if the rent is increased.
6. If my landlord decides to make an unjust claim on my bond, then what should I do?
Refer to the evidence from the inspection reports of the entry condition of the property. Contact the RTA to have the issue resolved.
7. Should I take photos when I move into a property in Brisbane?
Always take the photos and videos before you move to the house. This will help you at the end of the rental agreement.
