Question 1

How do I claim my bond refund in NZ?

Accepted Answer

If your landlord has carried out the final inspection and you have agreed on the bond refund amount, all you need to do is fill out a bond refund form and send it to Tenancy Services to claim it. The bond refund form needs to be signed by the landlord and every tenant on the lease. Tenancy Services says it usually takes 10 days to process fully complete forms, however, delays can occur if signatures don't match, it isn't clear who gets how much, or if the landlord and tenant are unable to agree on the bond refund amount.  This has to be filled in and signed by all tenants on a lease as well as the landlord. This form is sent to Tenancy Services who holds your bond throughout the tenancy and then organises the refund at the end. If you and the landlord do not agree on the refund amount, the issue will need to be taken to the Tenancy Tribunal. While having their services is helpful, we definitely recommend trying to reach an agreement with your landlord as this speeds up the process. For a lease with only 2 tenants, you can use this bond refund form. For a lease with more than 2 tenants, you will also need to use the Additional tenants bond refund form. Now, it's time to send the completed form to Tenancy Services. You can do this by either: scanning and emailing to bonds@tenancy.govt.nz posting to Tenancy Services, PO Box 50445, Porirua 5240 Either the landlord or the tenant can send the completed and signed form.

Question 2

How long do bond refunds take in NZ?

Accepted Answer

The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 does not specify the amount of time a landlord and tenant have to submit a bond refund at the end of a tenancy. However, once Tenancy Services receives the bond refund form they say it usually takes 10 days to process if it is fully complete. This may be delayed if there is missing information, the form is not clear in who gets what, or the landlord and tenant do not agree on the bond refund amount.

Question 3

What can be deducted from my bond?

Accepted Answer

Any damage to your rental that is not fair wear and tear can be taken out of your bond. This includes accidental or careless damage, although there is a limit on how much a tenant is required to cover in these events. Some examples of damages that can be deducted out of your bond include broken windows, damaged or missing furnishings, holes in walls. Any unpaid rent at the end of a tenancy is also able to be taken out of your bond.

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