Bond Refund when?

Hi, I am moving out soon from my current rental apartment.
Can I lodge a refund claim through RBO few days before the official tenancy end date under the agreement? I am asking this because RBO refund online process asks a question ‘has your tenancy ended?’ And states ‘It must be lodged after the end of tenancy agreement’ or something.

Comments

  • Technically you should agree the refund amount with agent beforehand. It's probably best to do an exit inspection with them and agree on the spot to make process easier for you.

    You can still lodge if you don't agree it, but they have 14 days to raise a claim against you for any damages or issues and take you to NCAT.

    In terms of 21st vs 25th, doesn't make a huge difference really.

    https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-get-your-re…

    • Technically you should agree the refund amount with agent beforehand. It's probably best to do an exit inspection with them and agree on the spot to make process easier for you.

      The problem with this advice is managing agents will often inspect and lodge a claim against your bond before you do this "exit inspection" with them. This means that it is up to you the tenant to pay $54 to bring it to NCAT so that these deductions don't happen should you not be able to work it out with the managing agent.

      On the other hand if the tennant lodges first then it is up to the managing agent to lodge a dispute with NCAT within 14 days after the tenants claim otherwise the bond is refunded in full. This puts the tennant in a much better position to negotiate down any damages. Managing agents get upset when tenants do this however.

      https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-pl….

  • Just select 'yes' tenancy has ended.
    That part is designed to stop people claiming the bond before the lease has ended or been terminated. Technically you should wait until the 25th but it doesnt matter in your case.
    Take photos of the place when you leave as evidence you left it clean and in good condition.
    Dont bother discussing anything with the agent. If you claim the bond, the agent will have to provide evidence within 14 days to stop it being paid out. Thats a deterrent to them trying make ridiculous claims of damage.

  • I am parroting others wisdom who have suffered at the hands of rea :

    Have the website open and ready on your phone and as you hand the keys back to the 'agent', hit the claim bond button.

    • …then give them the runaround for a change if they want to deduct anything from your bond. Reply to emails late, ask for more quotes etc. and hope that they forget and miss the 14 day deadline.

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