Bond deductions in Victoria: what evidence to ask for

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

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. The Consumer Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (section 10, inserting section 411(1A) of the Residential Tenancies Act) uses different wording: it requires bond-claim evidence at least 3 days before a claim. These official sources give different time periods, and we have not resolved why. Check your RTBA notice and current Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance promptly; if the timing affects your rights, seek tenancy advice rather than assuming extra time. The separate 14-day period for contesting a renter-initiated claim is a different process. (Sources checked 18 October 2026.)