Understanding Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits in ACT

For renters in the Australian Capital Territory, understanding your rights around rent, bonds, and holding deposits is essential to ensuring a fair tenancy experience. With several key rules set out by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, tenants are given protections that help them deal with rent hikes, bond disputes, and holding deposit questions effectively.

Rent Increases

In the ACT, landlords are required to provide renters with a minimum of 8 weeks' notice before implementing a rent increase, and this can only occur once every 12 months. The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 ensures that any increase must be in line with reasonable market rates.

Tip: To challenge a rent increase, gather evidence of local comparable rent prices to support your case.

Disputing a Rent Increase

If you believe a rent increase is unfair, you can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a review. You'll need form Rental Form 12, which is specifically designed for this purpose.

Bonds and Holding Deposits

When it comes to bonds, the maximum amount a landlord can charge in the ACT is the equivalent of 4 weeks' rent. The bond must be lodged with the ACT Revenue Office within 2 weeks. Meanwhile, holding deposits are used to secure properties before signing a lease, providing that the tenant must receive a detailed receipt.

Retrieving Your Bond

Upon the end of a tenancy, you may be entitled to a refund of your bond. File a claim through the ACT Revenue Office using their bond form.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• ACT Revenue Office Rental Bonds - For bond-related queries and forms
• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) - For rental disputes and applications
• Legal Aid ACT - Offers legal advice and support for tenants
• Tenants' Union ACT - Provides assistance and resources for renters

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1. What can I do if my landlord raises the rent unfairly? You can challenge the rent increase by applying to ACAT for a review. Ensure you do this within 8 weeks of receiving the rent increase notice.
2. How much bond can a landlord charge? In the ACT, the bond cannot exceed four weeks’ rent and must be lodged with the ACT Revenue Office.
3. What is a holding deposit? A holding deposit is an advance payment to ensure the property is not leased to someone else while finalizing the rental agreement. Always get a receipt for this payment.
4. How do I dispute bond deductions? If you disagree with bond deductions, you can apply for a hearing at ACAT to resolve the dispute.

1. How to challenge a rent increase in the ACT
   1. Step 1: Review the notice - Check if your landlord followed the state’s rules for notifying you of a rent increase.
   2. Step 2: Gather evidence - Compile data on similar rental prices in your area.
   3. Step 3: Contact your landlord - Attempt to negotiate or understand the reason behind the increase.
   4. Step 4: Apply to ACAT - Fill out Rental Form 12 for a review.
   5. Step 5: Present your case - Attend the tribunal hearing with your gathered evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Rent increases in the ACT require an 8-week notice and must occur no more than once per year.
• The bond should be no more than four weeks’ rent, and disputes can go through ACAT for resolution.
• Understand holding deposits and always ask for receipts to protect your interests.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act 1997 2. ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal 3. ACT Revenue Office

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