Rental Bonds in New Zealand: Lodging, Claims and Refunds
Published: 23 October 2026
A rental bond is security held by Tenancy Services on behalf of the tenant. Understanding how bonds are capped, lodged and claimed protects landlords at the end of a tenancy.
Key Takeaways
- • Standard bond is capped at a maximum of 4 weeks' rent (plus up to 2 weeks' pet bond when a pet is approved)
- • Landlords must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days
- • Valid deductions cover unpaid rent, unpaid metered water, careless/intentional damage and reasonably required cleaning
- • Every bond claim depends on having a dated, photographed ingoing condition report
Collect and lodge the bond within 23 working days
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord can require a general bond of up to 4 weeks' rent. If the rent increases later in the tenancy, the landlord can require a bond top-up so the total bond matches 4 weeks at the new weekly rent. Where written consent is given for a pet, an additional pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent may also be taken.
Every bond payment must be lodged with Tenancy Services within 23 working days. Keeping a tenant's bond in a personal or company bank account is unlawful and can lead to exemplary damages at the Tenancy Tribunal.
What a bond can and cannot cover
The bond remains the tenant's money unless the landlord establishes a lawful deduction at the end of the tenancy. Valid bond claims include:
- • Unpaid rent up to the end date of the tenancy
- • Unpaid metered water usage charges or other tenant outgoings
- • Careless or intentional damage beyond fair wear and tear
- • Cleaning costs when the property was not left reasonably clean and tidy
- • Unreturned keys, security fobs or garage remotes requiring lock or remote replacement
Fair wear and tear — such as sun-faded curtains or normal traffic wear on an older carpet — cannot be deducted from the bond.
Why the ingoing and exit reports decide the claim
To claim against a bond, the landlord must prove the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy and show that the damage or dirt occurred during the tenancy. That proof comes from the ingoing condition report and the exit inspection.
Read how the rental bond works with Climber to see how our team documents both ends of the tenancy and prepares invoices if a tenant disputes a deduction at the Tenancy Tribunal.
Questions landlords ask
What is the maximum rental bond a landlord can charge in New Zealand?
Up to 4 weeks' rent for a standard residential bond, plus up to 2 weeks' rent as a pet bond if the landlord has given consent for a pet.
How long does a landlord have to lodge the bond with Tenancy Services?
23 working days from receiving the payment. Failing to lodge the bond within 23 working days is an unlawful act that can attract exemplary damages.
How is a bond refunded at the end of a tenancy?
After the exit inspection and final rent/water check, a bond refund form is submitted to Tenancy Services. If both sides agree on any deductions, Tenancy Services pays out the balance.