Bond Refunds & Disputes – How to Get Your Bond Back in New Zealand
Your bond is your money. It’s not a “deposit,” it’s not the landlord’s safety fund, and it’s not something they can withhold just because they feel like it. The Residential Tenancies Act sets strict rules around how bond refunds work, what landlords can claim, and what happens when there’s a dispute.
This guide explains your rights, the process, and how to protect yourself from unfair deductions.
What Is a Bond?
A bond is money you pay at the start of your tenancy as security against:
- unpaid rent
- damage beyond fair wear and tear
- missing items
- cleaning or rubbish removal
It must be lodged with Tenancy Services, not kept by the landlord.
How Bond Refunds Work
At the end of the tenancy, either party can start the refund process by submitting a Bond Refund Form.
There are two types:
- Joint refund – both parties sign
- Tenant‑only refund – you apply alone if the landlord is being unreasonable
If both parties agree, the bond is refunded quickly. If not, Tenancy Services puts the refund on hold and gives the other party 10 working days to dispute it.
What Landlords Can Claim From Your Bond
A landlord can only claim for:
- Damage you caused
- Cleaning if the property is not “reasonably clean and tidy”
- Rubbish removal
- Unpaid rent
- Missing items
- Reasonable costs for repairs
They must provide:
- Evidence
- Quotes or invoices
- A clear explanation
They cannot:
- Charge for fair wear and tear
- Charge for routine maintenance
- Charge for upgrades or “betterment”
- Make up costs
- Deduct money without evidence
Fair Wear and Tear vs Damage
Fair wear and tear includes:
- Faded paint
- Worn carpet
- Loose handles
- Minor scuffs
- Sun‑damaged curtains
Damage includes:
- Holes in walls
- Broken windows
- Stains from spills
- Pet damage
- Missing items
Landlords often try to claim wear and tear as damage — this is unlawful.
If You Disagree With the Landlord
You do not have to sign anything you disagree with.
If the landlord tries to claim unfair costs:
- Do not sign the bond form
- Ask for evidence
- Ask for quotes
- Lodge your own tenant‑only refund
- Let the landlord challenge it if they want to
If they dispute your refund, they must apply to the Tenancy Tribunal and prove their claim.
Tenant‑Only Bond Refunds
If the landlord:
- refuses to sign
- delays
- makes unreasonable demands
- won’t provide evidence
- tries to force you to sign something blank
you can submit a tenant‑only bond refund.
Tenancy Services will:
- notify the landlord
- give them 10 working days to dispute
- refund the bond to you if they do nothing
This is one of the strongest tools tenants have.
What Happens in a Bond Dispute?
If the landlord disputes your refund:
- They must file a Tribunal application
- They must provide evidence
- They must prove their claim
- You will be notified of the hearing
The Tribunal will decide based on:
- the entry inspection
- the final inspection
- photos and videos
- receipts and quotes
- witness statements
If the landlord has no evidence, they lose.
How to Protect Yourself
- Take photos and videos at move‑in
- Take photos and videos at move‑out
- Keep copies of all communication
- Keep receipts for any repairs or cleaning you did
- Never sign a blank bond form
- Never agree to deductions without evidence
Documentation wins disputes.
Email Template: Requesting a Bond Refund
Copy and Paste This Email
Hi [Landlord/Property Manager],
Now that the tenancy at [address] has ended, I would like to proceed with the bond refund.
Please confirm whether you agree to a full refund of the bond. If you believe any deductions are required, please provide evidence and itemised costs so that I can review them.
If I do not hear back from you, I will submit a tenant‑only bond refund through Tenancy Services.
Thank you, [Your Name]
