Back to checklist Bond dispute guide

Disputing a withheld bond

A clear, step-by-step path through the tribunal in your state — QCAT (QLD), NCAT (NSW) or VCAT (VIC) — and the documents you'll need ready if your bond is withheld.

Queensland — key bodies & rules

Authority: Residential Tenancies Authority · Tribunal: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Governing law

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld)

Time limit

Apply to QCAT within 6 months of the tenancy ending.

RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority)

1300 304 796

QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

1300 753 228

The dispute process in Queensland, step by step

You must attempt conciliation through RTA before QCAT will hear a bond dispute.

  1. Step 1 · Negotiate

    Try to resolve directly

    Contact your lessor/agent in writing and ask for the bond to be refunded. Keep all messages — emails and texts count as evidence later.

  2. Step 2 · RTA conciliation

    Go through RTA Dispute Resolution

    Before QCAT, the RTA offers free conciliation. Lodge a Dispute Resolution Request (Form 3). An RTA conciliator contacts both parties to reach agreement. Most bond disputes resolve here.

  3. Step 3 · Lodge application

    Apply to QCAT if unresolved

    If conciliation fails, the RTA issues a 'Notice of Unresolved Dispute'. You can then apply to QCAT as a minor civil dispute (residential tenancy). Lodge online at qcat.qld.gov.au and pay the application fee.

  4. Step 4 · Serve

    Serve your documents

    After lodging, you must 'serve' a copy of the application and supporting material on the other party. QCAT tells you the method and deadline. Keep proof of service.

  5. Step 5 · Hearing

    Attend the hearing

    QCAT lists a directions hearing and then the final hearing. You can attend in person, by phone or video. Present your evidence clearly and answer the Member's questions.

  6. Step 6 · Decision

    Receive the decision

    The QCAT Member decides how the bond is split. The RTA pays out the bond according to the order. Either party can appeal on a question of law within 28 days.

Documents to prepare if your bond is withheld (QLD)

Tick these off as you gather them — 0/12 ready.

Time limits apply in Queensland. Apply to QCAT within 6 months of the tenancy ending. Don't delay once conciliation is unresolved.

Open evidence dashboard Apply at QCAT RTA Dispute Resolution (Form 3)

General information only — not legal advice. Confirm current fees, forms and time limits on the official websites for your state: rta.qld.gov.au / qcat.qld.gov.au, nsw.gov.au / ncat.nsw.gov.au, consumer.vic.gov.au / vcat.vic.gov.au.