Introduction
If you're a self-managing landlord or property agent, you're legally required to offer a tenant the option of lodging their bond directly through Rental Bonds Online (RBO).
If the tenant is unable to access the online service, or chooses to use the paper-based method, you'll need to lodge a Rental Bond Lodgement form. These forms are available in the Links section of your RBO account.
What you need
- the Rental Bond Lodgement form signed by the tenant
- the bond.
How to lodge
- Log in to your RBO account.
- Select the Links section, and download a Rental Bond Lodgement form.
- Complete the form, and have your tenant sign it.
- Lodge the form:
- by mail to the address on the form, and include the bond (cheque/money order), or
- visit a service centre and deliver the form and bond (cash, credit card, debit card, cheque or money order) in person.
More information
- Penalties may apply if you don't inform a tenant they can lodge their bond using RBO.
- When using the paper-based method you can only take the rental bond after the tenant signs the tenancy agreement.
- You cannot keep the money yourself or put it into an account in the tenant’s name.
- The cheque or money order can be made out to NSW Fair Trading.
- Once a bond is received you must provide a receipt, or note the payment details on the tenancy agreement, and provide a copy to the tenant.
- If you're letting and managing the property yourself, you have 10 working days to lodge the bond.
- You'll receive confirmation (with the bond number) from Fair Trading, once the bond is processed.