Guide · updated November 2026

Rental bond guides

• How to dispute a bond claim in NSW
  Agent claiming part of your bond in NSW? The 14-day Notice of Claim, the 7-day evidence rule, freezing the bond in Rental Bonds Online, and taking it to NCAT.
• Disputing a bond claim in Victoria (and the new evidence rule)
  From 13 October 2026, Victorian rental providers must back VCAT bond claims with evidence that matches the entry condition report. How to dispute a bond claim through RDRV.
• Fair wear and tear vs damage: real examples
  Official examples of fair wear and tear vs damage for Australian rentals — carpet, walls, paint, curtains, floors, benchtops, water stains — and what to do if you're charged for it.
• Charged for the carpet out of your bond?
  Agent claiming carpet cleaning or replacement from your bond? What's fair wear and tear for carpet, what evidence they need, and why a 10-year-old carpet isn't worth new-carpet money.