How long does my landlord have to return my bond in Victoria?
You can claim your bond back yourself through the RTBA the moment you hand back the keys. Your rental provider then has 14 days to apply to VCAT if they want to keep any of it — otherwise it's released to you.
Want Compass to draft your RTBA claim and prep your evidence for VCAT, citing the right Victorian sections?
In Victoria your bond is held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), overseen by Consumer Affairs Victoria — never by the agent directly (they had to lodge it within 10 business days). Because you can initiate the refund yourself, the power sits with you: once you claim, the clock starts. If your rental provider doesn't apply to VCAT within 14 days to make a claim, your bond is paid out.
What you can do right now
- Initiate the bond claim through the RTBA as soon as you return the keys — don't wait.
- Have your photos and condition report ready in case they apply to VCAT.
- Remember Victoria has strong minimum-standards and wear-and-tear protections — a lot of "damage" claims don't hold up.
Related questions
Free help
- Tenants Victoria
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
- VCAT
General information, not legal advice.
Want Compass to draft your RTBA claim and prep your evidence for VCAT, citing the right Victorian sections?