ACT Rental Bond Laws: Limits, Lodgement, and Dispute Resolution

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the rules surrounding security deposits—legally termed rental bonds—are strictly governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Landlords and property managers must adhere to tight timelines regarding the collection and lodgement of these funds.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the ACT Revenue Office or a qualified legal professional. Information last verified: March 2026.

Maximum Bond Limit

In the ACT, a landlord cannot ask for a rental bond that exceeds the equivalent of four weeks' rent.

No Pet Bonds

Under ACT law, landlords cannot request an additional "pet bond" or any other supplementary deposit beyond the four-week maximum, even if the tenant is keeping an animal on the premises.

Mandatory Lodgement

A landlord is not required by law to take a bond. However, if a bond is collected, it must be lodged with the ACT Rental Bonds Office.

The Lodgement Deadline

The landlord or managing agent must lodge the bond money and the completed Bond Lodgement Form with the ACT Rental Bonds Office within two weeks of receiving the funds from the tenant.

• Failure to lodge the bond within this statutory timeframe is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act and can result in financial penalties.
• The tenant will receive a receipt from the Rental Bonds Office confirming the deposit is held securely.

Permissible Deductions

At the end of the tenancy, the landlord can claim deductions from the bond for specific reasons outlined in the Standard Residential Tenancy Terms:

• Unpaid rent or unpaid utility bills (if utilities are in the landlord's name but the tenant's responsibility).
• Damage to the property caused by the tenant, their guests, or pets, excluding normal fair wear and tear.
• The cost of cleaning the premises if the tenant did not leave it "reasonably clean."
• The cost of replacing locks if the tenant fails to return all keys.

The Refund and Dispute Process

At the end of the lease, the landlord and tenant should agree on the bond's release and submit a Bond Refund form signed by both parties. The Rental Bonds Office will release the funds accordingly.

If There is a Dispute

If the landlord and tenant disagree on the deductions:

1. Either party can submit a Bond Refund form without the other party's signature.
2. The Rental Bonds Office will notify the non-signing party of the claim.
3. The notified party has 14 days to dispute the claim.
4. If disputed, the matter is automatically referred to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a binding legal decision.

How Landager Helps

Missing the short two-week lodgement window in the ACT is a common compliance failure. Landager automates your onboarding workflow, providing strict alerts counting down the 14 days from when you register the bond receipt, ensuring seamless and timely lodgement with the ACT Rental Bonds Office.

Back to ACT Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.