How long does my landlord have to return my bond in NSW?
If you claim through Rental Bonds Online (RBO) and your landlord agrees (or simply doesn't respond within 14 days), you can have your bond back in about 2 business days.
Want Compass to draft your refund request and a calm reply to any unfair claim, citing the right NSW sections?
In NSW your bond is held by NSW Fair Trading, not your agent — your landlord had to lodge it within 10 working days of receiving it. At the end of the tenancy you can start the refund claim yourself through Rental Bonds Online (RBO). Your landlord or agent then has 14 days to accept or dispute it. If they accept (or ignore it), the money is released to you fast. If they claim part of it and you disagree, the matter can go to NCAT (the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
What you can do right now
- Start the RBO claim yourself — you don't have to wait for the agent to do it.
- Compare your exit condition against your entry condition report; fair wear and tear can't be deducted.
- If a deduction looks unfair, lodge at NCAT — it's low-cost and renter-accessible.
Related questions
Free help
- Tenants' Union NSW
- NSW Fair Trading
- NCAT
General information, not legal advice.
Want Compass to draft your refund request and a calm reply to any unfair claim, citing the right NSW sections?