How do I get my bond back after I move out, and how long does it take?
Your landlord starts the refund online through Bond Hub or property management software, and you get a notice. You have 12 working days to respond. Check the amount before you agree. Once all tenants agree, the bond is paid out the next day. After a complete request is received, processing takes up to 10 working days. If your landlord does not start the refund, remind them, then call 0800 836 262.
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?
- 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?
- How do I apply to the Tenancy Tribunal about a bond dispute, and how much does it cost?
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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