Victorian guidanceLast checked: 2026-10-11

Bond deductions in Victoria: what evidence to ask for

Short answer

If a rental provider wants to keep some of your bond, ask for an itemised claim and evidence for each amount. Compare the entry and exit condition reports, dated photos and any cleaning or repair invoice. A bill shows what someone charged; it doesn't on its own show the renter caused the problem or owes the entire amount.

Ask for each charge separately

For every proposed deduction, request the room or item, what the provider says happened, the amount, and the evidence connecting it to your tenancy. Rent owing, cleaning, damage and missing items are different claims. Don't respond to an unexplained total.

Compare the condition before and after

Ask for the entry and exit condition report sections and dated photos of the same area. Look for pre-existing marks, gradual wear and maintenance requests. Consumer Affairs Victoria says ordinary fair wear and tear, and damage the rental provider was responsible for repairing, are not valid bond deductions.

Check what the money is for

A quote may describe proposed work; an invoice may show what was charged. Ask which part was damaged, whether the work was completed, the age and starting condition of anything proposed for replacement, and why a less extensive repair wasn't suitable. Full painting or carpet replacement needs a closer look at existing condition and reasonable scope (see Can a Victorian landlord charge for new carpet or repainting?).

A message requesting the documents

Replace bracketed placeholders before sending.

Please send an itemised list of each proposed bond deduction, the relevant entry and exit condition reports and dated photos, and the quotes or invoices supporting the amount. If replacement is claimed, please explain the item's previous condition and age and how the amount was worked out.

Check the process and notice

Use the exact Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) claim and notice instructions to identify any deadline. For options when the parties disagree, see RDRV or VCAT? Where to take a Victorian renting dispute on RDRV and VCAT. For organising all your evidence, see Preparing evidence for a Victorian rental dispute.

Bond-claim notice from 13 October 2026

Consumer Affairs Victoria's current bond-claims guidance says that a rental provider intending to claim bond money must notify the renter at least 3 business days before lodging the claim with the RTBA and give supporting evidence, such as invoices, receipts, quotes or photographs. The evidence must not contradict the condition report. This is separate from the 14-day period for contesting a renter-initiated claim. Check the current guidance and your actual RTBA notice (source checked 14 October 2026).

Your next step

Organise your rental evidence

Put your records, claimed charges and response into an evidence index you can copy or download.

Organise your rental evidence