What can a tenant do if a landlord or real estate agent won give the security deposit back?
A landlord or real estate agent must return a tenant’s bond if the tenant has performed all his/her obligations under the lease (as defined in the lease, however this is generally reinstatement of the premises). Subject to this, the landlord or real estate agent should return the bond as soon as practicable after the lease ends. If the bond (and any accrued interest) is not returned, or only part of the amount has been returned and the tenant feels entitled to receive the bond back in full, the matter can be referred to the VSBC for dispute resolution. For further details, contact the VSBC on (03) 9651 9316.
