REA Told Me Not to Lodge Bond

pr0o on 19/08/2025 - 16:24

Hey guys

Renting a place in NSW and my lease is ending in September. My idea was that I'll return the keys and lodge the bond 5 mins after that.

Agent called me and told me that once you return the keys, we will inspect the property and let you know about the bond. He asked me not to lodge it myself using RBO site when I asked about it.

I was wondering if I can still lodge it 5 mins after returning the key. This would put the onus on them to lodge the dispute if they have any issues. I'll leave the property generally clean and better than it was from cleaning perspective. Time of lease was 9 months

What do you guys think?

Thanks.

Financial

Comments

  • brendanm on 19/08/2025 - 16:25
    +59

    Lodge away, F the property manager. Slimy cockroaches they are.

    • KangaDrew on 19/08/2025 - 17:02
      +11

      ^This. ^This. ^This. And 100x more of ^this.

    • Dr Phil on 20/08/2025 - 18:58
      -6

      We dont need irresponsible people like brendanm giving WRONG advice !

      OP should wait for the outgoing inspection to be completed in case something is required which OP can address.

      In the case of dispute OP will be found AT FAULT for not waiting for the outgoing inspection report.

      Of course this inspection should be completed in a prompt and timely manner.

      Furthermore if the agent does need to lodge a bond claim against OP because of brendanm's irresponsible advice then the agent can also blacklist OP so damaging thier chances of renting again.

      • jaejae69 on 20/08/2025 - 19:04
        +2

        Found the REA.

      • brendanm on 20/08/2025 - 19:31
        -2

        Lol 😂. Get a real job, being a property manager is lower than a used car salesman.

  • Hybroid on 19/08/2025 - 16:26
    +3

    General advice is to lodge it as soon as you vacate and hand over keys, to start the 14 day timer. There's a balance to be struck to not piss them off too much to the point they nitpick things on purpose. So it's your call.

    • pr0o on 19/08/2025 - 16:35
      +1

      I do not want to piss them off. I just want be at advantage if they start nitpicking on minor stuff.

      • JimB on 19/08/2025 - 16:41
        +10

        Landlord here.

        Clean house of course, drop off Keys and then lodge bond immediately.

        If the owner wants to move in after you leave, the agent is less likely to care about retaining the bond (unless the owner has more properties they manage).

        • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 20:23

          I encourage tenants to be in attendance at final inspection and take prolific number of photos.

          If REA draws your attention to something needing correcting, photograph it from various angles, include something in picture for size comparison (such as 15cm ruler- something universal everybody recognises).

          I would write a small sign describing (alleged fault) to include in picture.

          If tenant attempts to clean there and then, photograph the finished product with sign and ruler.

          Good to have larger picture to get an idea of exact whereabouts of fault.

          If tenant is leaving fault not fixed, get clear pictures, description and measurements, in case it "grows" or "changes" in your absence.

          Organise key exchange at final inspection and then process bond.

          As the required standard is "reasonably clean", I wonder how that differ's from OP's standard of "generally clean".

          Timing of bond submission really doesn't mean anything. If tenant does something dodgy, REA can either intervene/counter claim with bond claim or continue to pursue for any monies owing after bond was dispersed.

          If REA finds fault after tenant has surrendered posession, the tenant can no longer enter premises to address any issues they may have overlooked.

          REA can now provide access to whomever is qualified to rectify that complaint at whatever reasonable cost that person decided to charge.

          One overzealous REA, put their vacating tenant on notice for dust on the S bend of the toilet.

          Cost $130 to engage a cleaner to attend the premises and fix that, a cost passed on to the exiting tenant.

      • wetsandwich on 19/08/2025 - 17:14
        +15

        Why? What happens if you piss them off?

        They are generally incompetent scum who will break all sorts of laws and are going to try to scam you here.

        I don't tend to care what people like that think about me.

        • DangerNoodle on 19/08/2025 - 17:35
          +3

          I'll probably get downvoted for this, but I generally try not to piss off property managers too much as they can blacklist you and you may need them as a reference when you apply for the next rental or two.

          Whilst some REA and homeowners are bad eggs, not all REA and homeowners are bad. At my last place, they credited me two weeks rent and didn't raise my rent for another year when I reported a water leak before it got worse (upstairs shower waterproofing failed).

          Conversely, I've had an REA try to take people through the property without giving me notice and complain that I didn't tidy the front garden (previous occupant was owner who grew onions and I didn't mind keeping them) so I have seen some annoying ones, but I'm sure there are worse out there

          • wetsandwich on 22/08/2025 - 10:29
            +1

            @DangerNoodle: You're probably right, and as a homeowner now I don't have to worry about it.
            But I did push back and threaten VCAT against one particularly horrendous one when I did rent. She had been asking for $440+ fees for transferring in a new tenant in a sharehouse, when such a fee is explicitly illegal under Victorian law. She got very snarky but ultimately seemed to know she was wrong, all she had to say was 'see you in VCAT' which to me was 'I know I'm wrong, but you have to pay money and time to fight me'. My housemates from 5 years ago are still at the same property so I think the manager was happier with an uninterrupted flow of money than winning some sort of vendetta against us.

        • Dr Phil on 20/08/2025 - 19:21
          -3

          The incompetent scum are usually the tenants who ignore thier legal obligations.

          Yes there are incompetent property managers as well but they must follow the law.

          So it happens on both sides.

      • Dr Phil on 20/08/2025 - 19:10
        -2

        Minor stuff must still be addressed dear OP.

        You have both a moral and a LEGAL OBLIGATION to return the property in the same condition as you occupied it. (normal wear and tear excepted) .

        This is Regardless of minor or major stuff!

        NB: If it can be "cleaned" then its not wear and tear!

        • Muppet Detector on 20/08/2025 - 20:30

          Pretty sure you only have to leave it reasonably clean.

    • AustriaBargain on 19/08/2025 - 17:41
      +2

      Surely with the prices renters are paying the old reputational system for renters doesn't really apply anymore in the shortage. The ability to pay has to be more important than anything else to housing investors. In my experience you don't need to kiss anyone's ass, they even expect you to lodge it yourself instantly.

      • Hybroid on 19/08/2025 - 18:34
        +1

        It's not about the next property, but the current one. The more difficult you are over the tenancy to the manager and/or landlord, the more they may scrutinise any issues upon departure.

        The first property I rented here, was completely off the radar, didn't ask anything, didn't complain about anything, didn't have any issues in inspections and paid everything on time including bills. Upon leaving, the REA popped in for 5 seconds, said looks all fine, so I handed over keys, and he lodged the bond refund within minutes of getting back to office.

        The following property we weren't as placid, had a few complaints about oven being filthy when we moved in, and then an insect infestation in one of the trees causing ingress into the house, and then the A/C condensor fried itself and needed control panel replaced etc. They did resolve each one, but then the same property manager basically went through the house with a fine toothcomb when leaving even highlighting tiny marks on the walls into the exit report. Then also specifically wanted us to get a professional oven clean like they did (but we didn't, as demonstrated we left it cleaner than when moved in).

        Anyway, digressing and it's all anecdotal. Advice remains lodge your bond return ASAP.

      • Dr Phil on 20/08/2025 - 19:16
        -1

        That is 100% incorrect!

        Anyone that applies can pay the price.

        And competition can be fierce at times.

        So it comes down to outstanding references and reputation in the final selection.

        As does the importance of not being listed on a tenancy database which some people here giving the wrong advice might well be.

        I only hope that OP does the right thing and doesnt end up on a tenancy database because they following the wrong (irresponsible) advice.

        Its important to ensure that you leave every place amicably and have the property manager onside ready to give you a glowing reference.

        I cant emphasize that enough!

    • Dr Phil on 20/08/2025 - 19:02
      -1

      WRONG ! COMPLETELY WRONG!

      There is a process to follow and obviously people like you Hybroid have absolutely NO IDEA!

      Generally the tenant must wait for the outgoing condition report to be completed and address any issues.

      The property manager must complete the outgoing inspection report in a timely manner and the tenant must address any issues promptly.

      The agent must then promptly release then bond once everything is sorted out.

      Lodgeing a bond claim by the tenant before this occurs ignores the legal process and works against the tenant in the event of a bond claim dispute.

      It can also result in the tenant being listed on a tenant database which will make future renting much more difficult.

      So DO THE RIGHT THING OP!

      • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 20:55

        The property manager must complete the outgoing inspection report in a timely manner and the tenant must address any issues promptly

        If tenancy and possession has expired, if outgoing inspection identifies any areas of concern, tenant has no legal right to return to premises to inspect, assess, perform any further cleaning or repair requirements.

      • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 21:01

        Yeah, pretty sure a lot of that isn't true.

        Tenant can submit bond return at any time.

        It won't work against the tenant.

        Lodging bond form won't result in tenant listed on some nefarious data base.

        Tenant is legally allowed to lodge his bond request.

        Post is just not true and provides tenants with false and intimidating information.

  • jjjaar on 19/08/2025 - 16:28
    +11

    Sounds like they know they might not get to inspect it within the 14 days and are buying themselves some time. Lodge it ASAP. And take photos and videos of the place as you walk out.

    • pr0o on 19/08/2025 - 16:35

      They will have time, since owner wants to move in asap. I think they want to put me at disadvantage, no?

      • jjjaar on 19/08/2025 - 16:56
        +3

        If they want to put you at a disadvantage, why are you going to give them even more of an advantage by not lodging ASAP? If they’re gonna be nitpicking, they’ll be like that regardless, hence; take a lot of videos and photos before you leave so they will need actual reasons to take from your bond.

        Also, if you hire a cleaner, hire one they recommend and get that recommendation in writing (via email) so if it’s not good enough, they can deal with their recommendation directly.

        Get in touch with the tenants union if you have any specific concerns too: https://www.tenants.org.au/tu/tenants-advice-line

      • Dumax on 19/08/2025 - 17:09
        -3

        Yes. The only thing to consider is that lodging without agreement will result in a delay in receiving your bond (because they will allow time for the REA to dispute it), but otherwise it will put you at an advantage because the agent will be required to challenge your assessment (and therefore have to go to VCAT) - which assuming that you left the property in a reasonable condition wouldn't likely be worth it.

        It might upset them, but remember the REA doesn't work for you - they work for the landlord.

        • KangaDrew on 19/08/2025 - 17:18
          +1

          Hey guys

          Renting a place in NSW and my lease is ending in September

          VCAT? Duh, Max

        • jaejae69 on 20/08/2025 - 12:52
          +1

          The time they allow is 14 days from lodgement. Most would consider this a pro and not a con as your wording of “delay” would imply.

          14 days is a hard deadline for the agent to lodge issues and dispute the return otherwise the funds are released to you automatically. If you wait for an “agreement” before lodging they can basically take as long as they want to nitpick everything.

          There is not a single negative to lodging the moment you hand back the keys.

    • brendanm on 19/08/2025 - 17:13
      +3

      Photos and videos is a great idea, I always did it when moving in and when moving out. Never lost a single cent.

      • jjjaar on 20/08/2025 - 01:35

        It’s so easy to do. I’ve seen enough Judge Judy to know how valuable it can be. Also OP, don’t forget photos of all meters that you pay bills for (water, electricity, gas).

      • ThithLord on 20/08/2025 - 08:55
        +1

        Yep. "There's leaves left on the patio. Can you rake them up?" "See attached entry condition report where I noted leaves on the patio" lmao

  • CruelTwist on 19/08/2025 - 16:48
    +2

    Lodge the bond claim ASAP after returning the keys. If the agent has an issue, let them dispute it.

  • payless69 on 19/08/2025 - 16:54
    -2

    Took 3D photos before moving in
    Did the same upon moving out
    QLD govt keeps on ringing, bond lost, login gone. Nobody ever wanted to see real proof.

  • wetsandwich on 19/08/2025 - 17:13
    +3

    The fact they are saying this is pretty much directly admitting to you that they plan to scam you.

    This is not a time you should be worried about offending them - it is a business transaction. Lodge it yourself within 60 seconds of handing back the keys - have it ready on your phone.

    They will of course get mad, sad, or try to bargain with you - but again, this is all a scam if you have made the place reasonably clean and tidy.

  • JIMB0 on 19/08/2025 - 17:55

    Don't agree to it in writing, if verbally just give a 'yeah whatever' kind of answer, then lodge it yourself. If they ask about why you lodged it just give another vague answer "I'm not sure what happened there, too late now".

  • payless69 on 19/08/2025 - 18:42

    REA told you
    and then their stock price went up!
    Cam MvIntyre just read the Carsales post so he moved to become CEO of REA
    be honest, stay poor sounds like a Gerry slogan…

  • Cupid Stunt on 19/08/2025 - 19:06
    +4

    Never trust a Real Estate Agent for advice!

  • jv on 19/08/2025 - 20:06
    +2

    my lease is ending in September. My idea was that I'll return the keys and lodge the bond 5 mins after that.

    Why would you lodge the bond after your lease has ended?

    You're suppose to lodge before you commence your rental agreement.

    • LFO on 20/08/2025 - 10:29

      Lodge the claim …

      • jv on 20/08/2025 - 10:45

        A 'claim' lodgement is not the same as a 'bond' lodgement.

        • LFO on 21/08/2025 - 12:18

          Roger.

  • haemolysis on 19/08/2025 - 21:26
    +2

    It doesn’t really matter. Any REA worth their salt is going to lodge their claims within 14 days utterly regardless of what you did lol. The important thing isn’t “who claims first” - you’re not going to get your bond just because you beat them past the post.

    The key is having evidence and refuting their demands and claims. Have your photos, and you should be fine. I’ll BET they claim a “quick once over” (~$300) clean - utterly regardless of how you left the place, because, simply, they can. But you have to provide your photos, say it was left in a reasonable condition, and they will probably lose.

    REA mainly rely on you “giving in” and consenting to costs.

    • jv on 19/08/2025 - 21:59
      +1

      you’re not going to get your bond just because you beat them past the post.

      You likely will get it quicker though…

    • elgrande on 19/08/2025 - 22:23
      +1

      Well the landlord will have to pay the lodgment fee, not OP.

  • elgrande on 19/08/2025 - 22:25
    +1

    I always lodge first, have for years, they hate it, but its your right, so its available to excercise.

  • altomic on 19/08/2025 - 23:05
    +3

    You breathed the air in the house.
    The air is damaged .
    No bond for you.

  • tabitha731 on 20/08/2025 - 07:24
    +3

    NEVER TRUST a property manager!!! always go with your gut instinct!

  • LFO on 20/08/2025 - 10:27
    -3

    Alternative option:

    Inform them that you will stop paying rent and it should be taken off the existing bond when vacating.

    Rental bonds are for that (and existing water and other charges) not just for hysteric claiming of maintenance.

    The least money with your bond the least the REA will fabricate.

    It works.

    EDIT: this is valid in QLD. Unknown somewhere else.

    • SlickMick on 20/08/2025 - 17:39

      No it's not valid, nor what the bond is for, in QLD or anywhere else.

      • LFO on 21/08/2025 - 12:17
        -1

        Yes it is.
        Check out the Bond Board.

        • SlickMick on 21/08/2025 - 16:39

          source?
          What is Bond Board? (hint: it isn't RTA.)

          I know that wasn't true when I rented, and I'm very confident that would not have changed.

          • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 20:08
            +1

            @SlickMick:

            I know that wasn't true when I rented, and I'm very confident that would not have changed.

            I know that it is not true right now.

            I've been reading the Tenancies Act etc all day.

            Bond Board… LOL Serioudly?

            Would love a link. Imagine the hell that would rain down on any lawyer prepared to publish that legal fallacy.

          • LFO on 22/08/2025 - 11:43
            -1

            @SlickMick: What you did is what you did.
            Does not imply much else.

            Have look at item 4 under Property manager/owner refund details.

            Needles to say, this is an option when ready to vacate which seems the case with OP. What the acting REA is going to do? Tenant is leaving already.

            And this option was as an alternative suggested by an (honest) REA in NSW for a dwelling in Manly and not my imagination. Further on noticed is applicable to QLD as well.

            It is an option, an alternative.

            • SlickMick on 22/08/2025 - 21:01
              -1

              @LFO: Can't find item 4 under Property manager/owner refund details.
              Link?

              It was not suggested by an ethical real estate agent. I doubt it was suggested by any REA, despite how shady they can be.

              You started off saying it was allowed in Queensland. Now it's NSW - but you haven't provided any evidence.
              Obviously we won't be getting a source because it is not acceptable anywhere.

              But keep digging.

              • LFO on 23/08/2025 - 12:16
                -1

                @SlickMick: Not sure about your aggro.

                You don't have to do it.

                It is an alternative, an option, for those tenants that are not timid or fearful of REAs

                Use logic: having outstanding rent waiting for the bond release will utterly force the REA to act. Pronto. The owner/mortgagor will hound them for money!!
                On the other hand, if it is the tenants money they will move as slow as possible.
                Think about it. Use logic.

                • SlickMick on 23/08/2025 - 13:12
                  -1

                  @LFO: If I'm aggro, it's because you're passing unsubstantiated rubbish as advice, and not willing to concede when you're clearly caught out.

                  It is not a valid alternative. It could get the tenant blacklisted. It's only an option for those who choose to not follow the rules.

                  But I'm interested in your theory of how this utterly forces the REA to do anything. I'm starting to suspect you've never dealt with an agent.
                  Withholding rent doesn't affect the agent in any way, but will very likely get you blacklisted.
                  The only time I have ever seen a a REA agent forced to do anything was when one wanted to postpone a settlement and leave it till Monday, and my conveyancer said like hell.

                  What you call logic isn't very well thought out. A REA wouldn't blink at waiting a couple of weeks to recover a couple of week's rent for the landlord. If the owner did kick up a stink, the tenant is getting blacklisted for sure. They get 14 days to settle bond. How slow do you think they can go?

                  Still waiting for a link for this documents you're quoting from, or any source for the crap you're sprouting.

                  • LFO on 24/08/2025 - 11:44
                    -1

                    @SlickMick: Yes it is aggro. You don't have to do it.
                    Do you hate the idea someone else will benefit of this option/alternative?

                    Don't do it. It not for you. Again, this alternative was for the OP not you. It is not you.

                    Stop discouraging others to show the initiative that does not motivate you.

                    • SlickMick on 24/08/2025 - 14:53
                      -1

                      @LFO: Okay, last time I'd going to prod. Yeah, I've lost patience with you for sure.
                      I hate that some idiot is trying to tell people something is okay when it clearly isn't. You're making wild claims and can't substantiate them.

                      I won't do it. You do what you want, but don't tell other people to. I hope someone sues you.

                      • LFO on 25/08/2025 - 12:21
                        -1

                        @SlickMick: Good move, don't do it.
                        It is not for you.
                        Don't do it.

                        It is an option, an alternative, for anyone else with a different frame of mind, a radically different attitude.

        • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 20:09

          Yes it is.
          Check out the Bond Board.

          Checked the Bond Board.

          They said "you're just making shit up".

          • LFO on 22/08/2025 - 11:22
            -1

            @Muppet Detector:

            They said "you're just making shit up".

            How do they know it was you !!

    • Muppet Detector on 21/08/2025 - 20:04

      Inform them that you will stop paying rent and it should be taken off the existing bond when vacating.

      I don't believe you. Would you have a source for this?

      this is valid in QLD.

      I still don't believe you.

      Rental bonds are for that

      Not for what you are suggesting.

      The least money with your bond the least the REA will fabricate.

      Notwithstanding that the above is absolutely terrible advice, the amount of your bond is not the limit to what you are expected to pay for any damage, outstanding rent or other costs you incur or create.

      Landlord is legally entitled to pursue tenant for every legitimate amount that he is owed, long past end of tenancy and distribution of bond.

      • LFO on 22/08/2025 - 11:25
        -1

        pursue tenant for every legitimate amount

        Key word being legitimate.

        Claiming part of the bond 'cause the garden looks untidy does not count.

        Legitimate. Wear and tear is not. Windows not immaculate is not. Stains on carpets due to traffic is not. And almost everything else a REA will fabricate it is not.

  • AndyC1 on 20/08/2025 - 17:34
    +2

    Trust a REA that they will look after you.. right….. Look after yourself and lodge 5 minutes after you hand the keys in. Make sure you have plenty of photo's so if there is a dispute you can tell them to go jump as here is the photo I have and it is fine.

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