My landlord in Christchurch is refusing to return my bond even though I left the place clean and gave proper notice. What can I do and how long should this take?

General information from Lawmateanz

In New Zealand, your bond should be lodged with Tenancy Services, not kept by the landlord. You can check it was lodged by contacting Tenancy Services.

At the end of a tenancy, the usual step is a bond refund form signed by both of you. If your landlord won't sign, you can apply for the refund yourself. Tenancy Services then tells your landlord, who has a short window to dispute it by applying to the Tenancy Tribunal. If they don't, the bond is paid to you.

A landlord can only claim from the bond for things like unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear. Your photos, ingoing and outgoing inspection reports, and any written notice you gave are useful evidence.

If your landlord does apply to the Tribunal, the case usually goes to mediation first, then a hearing if needed. Tribunal fees are low, and most people represent themselves.

Tenancy Services has free information and templates, and Community Law Centres can help you prepare.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.