Quick answer
- Both sides agree: the claim is approved in Rental Bonds Online and the bond is paid out soon after.
- Only one side claims: the other party gets a Notice of Claim and has 14 days to agree or dispute it.
- Disputed: the bond is held until the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) decides.
The NSW bond refund timeline, step by step
- 1
Final clean and handover
Clean the property to match the entry condition report, remove everything and return all keys, remotes and swipe cards.
- 2
Final inspection
The agent or landlord compares the property against the entry condition report. Any cleaning issues are usually raised here.
- 3
Bond claim lodged
You (or the agent) lodge a refund claim in Rental Bonds Online, or on the paper Claim for Refund of Bond Money form.
- 4
14-day response window
If the other party has not agreed, NSW Fair Trading sends them a Notice of Claim. They have 14 days to agree or apply to NCAT.
- 5
Bond paid out
Once the claim is agreed, or 14 days pass with no NCAT application, the bond is paid as claimed.
What the 14-day rule actually means
NSW rental bonds are held by NSW Fair Trading, not by your landlord. When a refund claim is lodged without the other party's agreement, Fair Trading sends them a Notice of Claim. From there they can:
- agree to the claim,
- talk it through and reach an agreement,
- tell Fair Trading within 14 days that they have applied to NCAT, or
- do nothing, in which case the bond is paid as claimed after 14 days.
That is why lodging your own claim promptly after the final inspection matters: it starts the clock in your favour.
Can the landlord keep your bond for cleaning?
Yes, but only the reasonable cost of cleaning, and only if the property was not left reasonably clean compared with its condition at the start of the tenancy. The entry condition report is the benchmark, so fair wear and tear cannot be charged. Agents are expected to discuss deductions with you before lodging a claim.
In practice, cleaning is the most common reason an agent will not agree to a full refund straight away. Ovens, rangehoods, shower screens, window tracks and inside cupboards are the items that trigger re-clean requests. Our bond cleaning Sydney guide covers the full checklist agents inspect.
6 things that delay your bond refund
- Rent not paid up to the end of the notice period
- Oven, rangehood or bathroom not cleaned to the entry standard
- Keys, remotes or garage fobs not returned
- Belongings or rubbish left behind
- Carpets not professionally cleaned when the lease requires it
- No move-out photos to answer a disputed claim
Get your bond back without the back-and-forth
Tricity's end of lease cleaning in Sydney follows the agent checklist, and if the agent raises a cleaning item from the agreed scope, we come back and fix it within 72 hours at no charge.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get your bond back in NSW?
If you and your landlord or agent agree on the refund, the bond is usually paid out soon after the claim is agreed in Rental Bonds Online. If only one side lodges a claim, NSW Fair Trading sends the other side a Notice of Claim and they have 14 days to respond. If nobody disputes it in that time, the bond is paid as claimed.
What is the 14-day rule for bond claims in NSW?
When one party lodges a bond claim without the other's agreement, NSW Fair Trading notifies the other party. They then have 14 days to either agree, negotiate, or tell Fair Trading they have applied to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). If they do nothing within 14 days, the bond is paid out according to the claim.
Can my landlord keep my bond for cleaning?
A landlord or agent can claim the reasonable cost of cleaning only if the property was not left reasonably clean, taking into account its condition at the start of the tenancy as shown in the condition report. They should discuss deductions with you first.
What should I do if the agent claims part of my bond?
Check the claim details in Rental Bonds Online, compare them with your entry condition report and your move-out photos, and talk to the agent. If you cannot agree, apply to NCAT and tell NSW Fair Trading within 14 days, otherwise the bond will be paid as claimed.
Can I claim my bond before I move out?
Only if you have written agreement from your landlord or agent to lodge an early claim, or you are directing the full bond to them. Otherwise the claim is made at the end of the tenancy.
How do I avoid delays getting my bond back?
Pay rent up to the end of your notice period, leave the property clean to its original condition, remove all belongings, return every key and remote, and attend or sign off the final condition report. A professional end of lease clean with a re-clean guarantee removes the most common reason agents delay agreeing to a refund.
This guide is general information based on NSW Fair Trading and Service NSW guidance, not legal advice. For your specific situation, check NSW Government: getting your bond back.