Paying a rental bond

Before you move in

Most landlords or agents will ask you to pay a rental bond before you move into a new home. It acts like a security deposit in case you break the terms of the lease.

You can pay the rental bond:

• to your landlord or agent, who will submit it to NSW Fair Trading, or 
• directly to NSW Fair Trading through the rental bonds online service (your landlord or agent will email you an invitation so you can do this).

When you move out

You’ll get the bond back when you move out, unless the landlord or agent makes a claim for all or part of the bond.

They may do this if:

• you owe money for unpaid rent or water bills
• you’ve broken the lease early
• the property was damaged
• the property wasn’t cleaned
• keys weren't returned and locks need replacing.

Learn more about rental bonds at the Tenants' Union of NSW.