I moved out a long time ago and never got my bond back. Can I still claim it?
Yes, if it is within 6 years. A bond that is not claimed within 6 years of the tenancy ending or the refund being approved goes to the Crown (the government). Contact Tenancy Services on 0800 836 262. They can help you submit the refund request.
Official figures
- Maximum general bond
- No more than 4 weeks' rent1
- Maximum pet bond
- No more than 2 weeks' rent1
- Deadline for the landlord to lodge the bond
- If you pay the bond to your landlord, they must lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it1
- No lodgement notice received
- If you have not received a notice that your bond is lodged within 6 weeks, contact your landlord to check1
- Maximum rent in advance
- No more than 2 weeks' rent. Your landlord cannot ask for more rent until the rent you paid in advance is used up4
Official sources
- Preventing problems with bondsTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Refunding a general bondTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- How to apply for a bond refundTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
- Charging rentTenancy Services (MBIE) · tenancy.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Rental bond: how much you pay, how to check it and how to get it back →
People also ask
- My landlord wants 6 weeks' rent as a security deposit. Is that legal?
- I paid the bond to my landlord. How do I know they lodged it with Tenancy Services?
- How do I get my bond back after I move out, and how long does it take?
- My landlord wants to keep part of my bond for cleaning and I don't agree. What can I do?
- Can my landlord ask me to pay one month's rent in advance?
- Do I have to pay an extra bond if I have a pet? What is the maximum?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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