|
[Print-friendly version]
You should get all your bond money back unless you have damaged the property,
left the place dirty, broken the lease, or are behind in rent. When you move
out, it's best to fill out another condition report. Try to have the landlord
there when you do this. Then you can compare this condition report with the
one you filled out when you moved in and check if anything has been damaged.
If nothing is damaged, and everything is clean, the landlord should agree to
give the entire bond back. The landlord can't take money out of your bond for
things like wear of paint or carpets – these are the landlord's responsibility.
If the landlord won't come and inspect the property with you, you should collect
evidence that you haven't damaged the property. Collect statements from friends,
the removalist (if you have one), and keep the receipt if you have the carpet
cleaned. You could also take photos to prove that the place is clean. When you
leave, you should fill out a Refund
of Rental Bond. Remember to make sure that everyone who signed the Bond
Lodgement form when you moved in also signs the Application for Refund of Rental
Bond.
If you and the Landlord agree
If you and the landlord agree on how the bond should be paid out, you should
both complete the Application for Refund of Rental Bond form and either send
it to the RTA, or take it to the Post Office. If you send it to the RTA, they
will post the bond money to you (remember to put your new address under Refund
Details on the form). If you take the form to the Post Office, they will give
you cash within 20 minutes (you'll need some identification).
If you and the Landlord don't agree
If you and landlord do not agree on how the bond will be paid out, you should
still fill out the Application for Refund of Rental Bond form and send it to
the RTA (don't take it to the Post Office). If you send a form to the RTA before
the landlord does, the landlord will have to apply to the Small Claims Tribunal
to resolve the disagreement. If the landlord does not dispute it within 14 days,
the bond will be paid as you requested on the form. If the landlord does respond
to the notice, you will be asked to go to the Small Claims Tribunal. This is
an informal court where a referee will decide how the bond should be paid out.
You should take along any evidence you have, including your lease, bond receipts,
and any photographs. You could also take along some witnesses. You will be asked
to explain why the bond should be paid back to you. The referee will talk to
you and the landlord, and then tell the RTA how to pay out the bond.
|
