Commissioner’s Guidelines – Bond disputes in a rental

Last updated: 15 April 2026

The Commissioner for Consumer Protection (the Commissioner) has the power to make a decision about disputes relating to the release of most residential tenancy security bonds, including pet bonds. The guidelines helps tenants, landlords and property managers understand the process. 

This document is a guideline only, it does not constitute legal advice. If you have a question about how the law applies to your situation, you should seek independent legal advice. 

The guidelines contain information about: 

  • bond release application process
  • evidence for your application
  • claim categories
  • pet bond
  • claiming for the landlord's own time
  • deciding how the balance of a bond is divided between multiple tenants
  • partial release of a security bond.