How long does a bond refund take once both sides agree?

It genuinely varies by state -- as fast as 1-2 business days in Victoria and NSW, around 3-5 in Queensland and South Australia, and up to 10 business days or more in the ACT and Western Australia.

What if we don't agree?

It goes to your state's tenancy dispute resolution process, which can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months -- worth trying to agree directly first, since that's always the faster path.

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2-3 days before moving

Complete your condition report and lodge your bond

Complete your condition report and confirm your bond is lodged -- do this in your first days in the new place.

Get my personalised moving timeline

The condition report you complete when you move in is the main evidence either side has if there's a dispute over your bond when you eventually move out -- and in Australia, exactly how bonds are held and disputed depends on your state, so it's worth getting right from day one.

How to do it

Walk through the property with your landlord or agent and complete the condition report together where possible, covering walls, carpets, appliances, and fixtures.
Photograph everything, including any existing marks or wear, with the date visible or recorded -- this is much stronger evidence than a written note alone.
Confirm your bond has been lodged with your state's residential tenancy bond authority, not just paid to the agent -- lodgement requirements and the responsible authority vary by state, so check the specific process for where you've moved to.
Keep a signed copy of the condition report and your bond lodgement confirmation somewhere you'll be able to find again when you eventually move out.
Note anything already broken or not working at this stage, before it becomes harder to prove it wasn't caused during your tenancy.

Common mistakes

Signing off on a condition report without actually checking it against what you see.
Assuming the bond is "sorted" once paid, without confirming it was actually lodged with the state authority.
Not keeping your own copy of the report or lodgement confirmation.

Your state's authority

Frequently asked questions

How long does a bond refund take once both sides agree?: It genuinely varies by state -- as fast as 1-2 business days in Victoria and NSW, around 3-5 in Queensland and South Australia, and up to 10 business days or more in the ACT and Western Australia.
What if we don't agree?: It goes to your state's tenancy dispute resolution process, which can take anywhere from several weeks to a few months -- worth trying to agree directly first, since that's always the faster path.