How long does a bond refund take?

Once both parties have signed the Tenancy Services bond refund form, Tenancy Services typically processes the refund within 5–10 working days. Disputes can extend this significantly.

Can the landlord keep the bond?

Only with the tenant’s written consent (in the bond refund form) or a Tenancy Tribunal order. A landlord cannot unilaterally keep any part of the bond.

What counts as "fair wear and tear"?

Under New Zealand tenancy law, fair wear and tear is the normal deterioration resulting from ordinary, reasonable use — e.g. faded paint, slight carpet flattening, light marks on walls. It is not the tenant’s responsibility. Damage beyond this, caused intentionally or carelessly by the tenant, is deductible.

What if the landlord ignores my request?

Apply to the Tenancy Tribunal online at tenancy.govt.nz. There is a small fee (around $20), no lawyers are needed, and the Tribunal can order the bond to be refunded and (in some cases) award exemplary damages.

What if I damaged something during the tenancy?

Under Holler and Rouse v Osaki and the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019, tenants are liable for damage up to the lesser of four weeks’ rent or the landlord’s insurance excess where the damage is caused by careless (not intentional) behaviour, and the landlord’s insurance applies. Intentional damage is fully recoverable.

Who pays for end-of-tenancy cleaning?

The tenant must leave the property "reasonably clean and reasonably tidy". Professional end-of-tenancy cleaning is not required unless the property is exceptionally dirty. Excessive cleaning costs deducted without agreement are often successfully challenged at the Tribunal.

Can I get the bond refunded to a different bank account?

Yes. In your request, provide the bank account details of the person to whom you want Tenancy Services to pay the refund. For jointly held bonds, all tenants usually need to agree on the account.

RentalNZ

Bond Refund Request Template

When a tenancy ends, tenants are entitled to have their bond refunded promptly. Use our free New Zealand template to request a bond refund from the landlord and, if needed, apply to Tenancy Services under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

Create Your Bond Refund Request

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Aroha M. Tane

8 Newtown Avenue, Newtown, Wellington 6021

+64 21 555 0701

aroha.tane@email.co.nz

2 April 2026

Wellington Property Investments Ltd.

100 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011

RE: Bond Refund Request

Bond: TS-2023-445892

Dear Wellington Property Investments Ltd.,

I am writing to formally request the refund of my bond in relation to the tenancy at 34 Rintoul Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021, which ended on 31 March 2026.

Bond Details:
Bond Amount: $1,800.00 NZD
Tenancy Services Bond Reference Number: TS-2023-445892
Property Address: 34 Rintoul Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021
Tenancy End Date: 31 March 2026

Condition of Property: The property was thoroughly cleaned prior to vacating, including professional carpet cleaning. All walls were wiped down, the oven and kitchen were cleaned to a high standard, and the garden was mowed and tidied. A final inspection was conducted on 31 March 2026. All keys and the letterbox key have been returned. There are no rent arrears. The property was left in the same condition as when the tenancy commenced, allowing for fair wear and tear over the 2-year tenancy.

Pursuant to sections 22 and 23 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA 1986), I request that you confirm your agreement to the full refund of the bond by signing and returning the Bond Refund Application (Tenancy Services Form) within a reasonable time. If you intend to make any claim against the bond, please be aware that you must apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have any disputed amount retained — you may not simply withhold the bond without Tenancy Services authority or a Tenancy Tribunal order. Under the RTA 1986, if no application is made to the Tenancy Tribunal within a reasonable time, the bond should be released in full to the Tenant.

Bank Account for Refund: Please ensure the bond refund is directed to the following bank account: ANZ — 01-2222-0333333-00 (Aroha M. Tane).

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss the condition of the property or the bond refund, please contact me as soon as possible. I am keen to resolve this matter promptly and amicably. If I do not hear from you within 14 days of the date of this letter, I will contact Tenancy Services directly to progress the bond refund.

YOURS SINCERELY,

Aroha M. Tane

Tenant

Date: ____________________

What Is a Bond Refund Request?

A bond refund request is a written request made by a tenant at the end of a residential tenancy seeking the return of the bond money held by Tenancy Services (MBIE). In New Zealand, bonds for residential tenancies of more than $0 must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receipt (section 19 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986). On termination, the bond is refunded to the tenant or landlord (or split) based on a signed refund form or a Tenancy Tribunal order.

The simplest way to refund a bond is for landlord and tenant to jointly sign the bond refund form, identifying who is to receive the money. If the parties agree, Tenancy Services processes the refund within a few business days of receiving the form. Disagreements about deductions — for cleaning, damage, or unpaid rent — can be referred to the New Zealand Tenancy Tribunal, which has jurisdiction to make orders about the bond.

A formal written request helps start the refund process under New Zealand residential tenancy law, focuses the landlord’s attention, and creates a paper trail if the matter proceeds to the Tribunal. Our template can be used both as an initial request to the landlord and as supporting evidence in any subsequent Tribunal application.

What's Covered in This Template

Our bond refund request covers every element needed to secure a prompt refund or support a Tenancy Tribunal application.

Tenant Details

Tenant name(s), forwarding address, phone, and email for the refund payment.

Landlord or Property Manager Details

Landlord/manager’s name and contact details as recorded with Tenancy Services.

Property Address

The address of the rental property subject to the expired tenancy.

Tenancy Dates

Start and end dates of the tenancy and the date keys were handed back.

Bond Details

Bond amount lodged with Tenancy Services and the bond number (if known).

Refund Amount Requested

The amount the tenant requests to be refunded to them (normally the full amount).

Property Condition

Statement that the property was left clean and undamaged, with reference to photos and inspection reports.

Final Inspection Outcome

Summary of the outgoing inspection and any agreed or disputed deductions.

Bank Account Details

Bank account number for Tenancy Services to deposit the refund.

Request for Bond Refund Form

Request that the landlord co-sign the Tenancy Services bond refund form (online or paper).

Deadline and Next Steps

Reasonable deadline for the landlord to respond, and intention to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal if necessary.

Supporting Documents

Reference to attached photos, inspection reports, receipts, or correspondence.

How to Request a Bond Refund

Follow the steps below to produce a professional bond refund request.

1
Enter Tenant and Landlord Details
Provide your name and forwarding details, and the landlord or property manager’s contact details.
2
Record Tenancy and Bond Details
Enter the property address, tenancy start and end dates, bond amount, and bond number.
3
Describe Property Condition
Summarise how you left the property and refer to photos or inspection reports.
4
State the Amount Requested
State the amount you want refunded (normally the full bond) and your bank account details.
5
Send and Follow Up
Send the letter by email and post, wait for the agreed deadline, then apply to Tenancy Services or the Tenancy Tribunal if not refunded.

Legal Considerations

Bonds are tenant money held by Tenancy Services; landlords cannot deduct from a bond without consent or a Tribunal order.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For disputed deductions, contact Tenancy Services or seek advice from Community Law.

Aligned with the Residential Tenancies Act 1986

Bond Lodgement and Holding

Under sections 18 and 19 of New Zealand’s Residential Tenancies Act 1986, a landlord who takes a bond of any amount must lodge it with the Tenancy Services bond centre within 23 working days of receiving it. The bond is held in trust by the Chief Executive of MBIE until both parties agree on the refund or the Tenancy Tribunal orders otherwise. Landlords who fail to lodge bonds can be fined up to NZ$1,000.

Refund Process

Under sections 22–23 of the Act, the bond is refunded based on a completed bond refund form signed by both parties, or by a Tenancy Tribunal order. If the parties agree, the refund is processed by Tenancy Services usually within a few working days. If they cannot agree, either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal under section 77, and the Tribunal has jurisdiction to allocate the bond as it considers just.

What Landlords Can Deduct

Landlords can only deduct from the bond with the tenant’s written consent or a Tribunal order. Permissible deductions cover unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear (section 40), cleaning beyond what a reasonable tenant would do, and unpaid water charges for which the tenant is responsible. Fair wear and tear is the tenant’s friend: in Holler and Rouse v Osaki [2016] NZCA 130, the Court of Appeal limited tenant liability for accidental damage in some circumstances. Chattels repaired at landlord’s cost are generally not deductible.

Tenancy Tribunal Jurisdiction

The Tenancy Tribunal hears bond and tenancy disputes without lawyers (section 77). It can order refund of all or part of the bond, award exemplary damages, and make work orders. Applications are low-cost (currently around $20) and can be filed online at tenancy.govt.nz. The Tribunal’s decisions are enforceable as District Court orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

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