If you’ve just completed your final property inspection in Canberra, congratulations! You’re almost done with the moving process. The last thing to do now is to get your bond back. While this step is usually straightforward, it’s important to follow the right process to avoid any delays.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to ensure you get your bond back without any hassle.
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Steps to ensure you get your bond back
1. Check the Final Condition Report
After the final inspection, your landlord or property manager will complete a condition report. This report compares the property’s condition when you moved in to how it looks now. Even if the inspection went well, it’s a good idea to get a copy of this report for your records.
- Request a Copy: If you haven’t received the report, ask your landlord or property manager to provide it. This way, you have proof that the property was left in good condition.
- Look for Any Issues: Review the report carefully to make sure there aren’t any problems mentioned that could lead to bond deductions.
2. Submit Your Bond Claim
In Canberra, the bond is held by the ACT Revenue Office. Once you and your landlord agree on the condition report, you can submit a bond claim to get your money back.
- Complete the Bond Claim Form: You can fill out a bond claim form online through the ACT Revenue Office website. Both you and your landlord need to sign this form to confirm that the bond can be released.
- Submit the Form: Once the form is filled out and signed, submit it online. This will speed up the process, and after approval, your bond will be returned to you.
3. Resolving Disagreements or Deductions
If there are any disagreements about the bond, such as your landlord wanting to deduct money for repairs or cleaning, there are ways to handle this.
- Review the Deductions: Check the reasons your landlord gives for the deductions. Make sure they are based on what was discussed during the final inspection and are not for unexpected issues.
- Discuss the Problem: If you don’t agree with the deductions, have a conversation with your landlord or property manager. A quick discussion might resolve the issue.
- Seek Help from ACAT: If you can’t come to an agreement, you can ask the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) to help. They act as a neutral party to settle disputes. However, this should be a last resort if you can’t resolve things directly.
4. Track Your Bond Refund
Once you and your landlord agree to release the bond, the ACT Revenue Office will process the refund.
- Check How Long It Takes: Bond refunds usually take a few business days. If you haven’t received your bond after a week, you can check the status with the ACT Revenue Office.
- Follow Up if Needed: If there are any delays, don’t hesitate to follow up with both your landlord and the ACT Revenue Office. It’s a good idea to stay on top of things to avoid waiting too long.
5. Keep in Touch with Your Property Manager
Even after you’ve submitted the bond claim form, it’s important to stay in contact with your property manager. They might need additional information or clarification.
- Clear Up Any Last Details: If your property manager requests any additional documents or answers, respond quickly to make sure the process isn’t held up.
Final Thoughts
Getting your bond back after a successful final inspection is the last step in moving out of your rental property in Canberra. Whether you’ve lived in the lively inner suburbs like Dickson or the quieter areas like Weston Creek, following these simple steps will help you get your bond back smoothly.
By keeping everything organized and maintaining communication with your landlord or property manager, you can complete the bond return process without any trouble and move on to your next adventure.