How much bond can a landlord ask for? Limits in every Australian state (2026)
Updated 13 October 2026
In most of Australia the most a landlord or agent can ask for as a bond is 4 weeks' rent. Victoria works in months instead of weeks, and a few states lift or remove the limit when the rent is high.
| State or territory | Maximum bond |
|---|---|
| NSW | 4 weeks' rent |
| Victoria | 1 month's rent, if rent is $900 a week or less. No set limit above $900, or if VCAT orders a higher bond. |
| Queensland | 4 weeks' rent. This covers all bonds combined, including any pet bond. |
| Western Australia | 4 weeks' rent, if rent is $1,200 a week or less (no set limit above $1,200). A pet bond of up to $350 can be added. |
| South Australia | 4 weeks' rent if rent is $800 a week or less; 6 weeks' rent above $800. |
| Tasmania | 4 weeks' rent. Pet bonds aren't allowed. |
| ACT | 4 weeks' rent |
| Northern Territory | 4 weeks' rent |
Worked examples
NSW, rent $650 a week. 4 x $650 = $2,600 maximum bond.
Victoria, rent $650 a week. Victoria uses one calendar month. Consumer Affairs Victoria works a month out as daily rent x 365 / 12, so $650 / 7 x 365 / 12 = $2,824.40. That's more than 4 weeks ($2,600) because a month is a little over 4 weeks.
South Australia, rent $850 a week. Rent is over $800, so up to 6 weeks applies: 6 x $850 = $5,100.
Try it: Bond and rent in advance calculator: pick your state and type your rent.
Who holds your bond
In every state except the Northern Territory, the bond goes to a government bond authority, not to the landlord. That's what protects it.
| State or territory | Who holds it | Lodging and getting it back |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online) | At the end, you claim it through Rental Bonds Online; the landlord or agent has up to 14 days to respond. |
| Victoria | Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) | Must be lodged within 14 days. |
| Queensland | Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) | Must be lodged within 10 days. |
| Western Australia | Bonds Administration, Consumer Protection | Must be lodged within 14 days. |
| South Australia | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Must be lodged within 2 weeks (landlord) or 4 weeks (agent). |
| Tasmania | Rental Deposit Authority (MyBond) | An agent must lodge it within 10 working days. |
| ACT | ACT Revenue Office | Must be lodged within 2 weeks (landlord) or 4 weeks (agent). |
| Northern Territory | The landlord or agent holds it in trust for you | No bond authority. It must be returned within 7 business days of you moving out, unless they give you a notice claiming part of it. |
Exceptions to know
- Different limits apply to rooming houses, caravan parks and residential parks in several states.
- In South Australia, the 4-week cap applies to agreements made from 1 April 2023.
- In Queensland you can't get around the cap by calling part of it a pet bond: everything counts towards the 4 weeks.
Before you pay
- Work out the maximum for your rent using the table above.
- Get a receipt, and check the bond is lodged with your state's bond authority within the deadline in the table above (in the NT, the landlord or agent holds it).
- Keep your entry condition report and photos. They are your best evidence when you ask for your bond back.
Common questions
Can a landlord ask for a pet bond on top?
Only Western Australia allows a pet bond on top of the limit (up to $350). NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT don't allow a separate pet bond. In Queensland any pet bond has to fit inside the 4-week limit.
What if they ask for more than the limit?
A landlord or agent can't require more than the limit. Keep every receipt and contact your state's rental authority: NSW Fair Trading 13 32 20, Consumer Affairs Victoria (online enquiry form), RTA Queensland 1300 366 311, Consumer Protection WA 1300 30 40 54, CBS South Australia 131 882, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services in Tasmania, the Tenancy Advice Service ACT 1300 402 512, or NT Consumer Affairs 1800 019 319.
How do I get my bond back?
At the end of the tenancy, a claim is made through the authority that holds the bond (in NSW, through Rental Bonds Online). If the landlord or agent wants to keep part of it, they have to claim it, and you get a chance to dispute it. Your entry condition report and dated photos are your best evidence.
Is the bond the same as rent in advance?
No. The bond is held as security and comes back at the end. Rent in advance is your first rent paid early. See rent in advance limits by state.
Moving soon?
The Aussie Renter Bundle covers the whole move: a rental application organiser, a moving budget that works out bond and rent in advance for your state, and a bond-back checklist.
See the Aussie Renter BundleOfficial sources
- NSW Government: costs at the start of a tenancy
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: bond amounts
- Residential Tenancies Authority (QLD): rental bond
- Consumer Protection WA: rental bonds
- SA Government: maximum amount of bond
- Tasmanian legislation: Residential Tenancy Act 1997
- ACT Revenue Office: about rental bonds
- NT Government: security deposits (bonds)
- NSW Government: getting your bond back
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: lodging the bond with the RTBA
- Consumer Protection WA: landlord's guide (April 2026, PDF)
- SA Government: rent and bond
- Consumer Affairs Tasmania: bond lodgement
- ACT Government: Renting Book (January 2026, PDF)
- NT Consumer Affairs: Guide to Renting in the NT (PDF)
- NSW Government: pet bonds not allowed
- CBS South Australia: renting with pets
Last checked 13 October 2026. Rules change, so check your state's rental authority before you pay. General information only, not legal or financial advice.