How to lodge the bond in ACT

In the ACT, you raise the bond in the portal (takes a few minutes) and the system gives you a bond number + unique payment reference. You can then give that reference to the tenant to pay the bond by online bank transfer directly to Rental Bonds — so you don’t have to collect the money. Once the payment clears (often within a few days; allow up to 7–14 days to appear on the bond record), receipts are emailed to both parties. You must lodge within 2 weeks of receiving the bond or the tenancy start date (whichever is later).

Authority/portal: ACT Revenue Office — Rental Bonds Portal

Phone: (02) 6207 0028

Overview: https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/rental-bonds

Guides:

https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/rental-bonds/rental-bonds-portal-user-guides

https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/rental-bonds/how-to-lodge-a-bond/lessors-and-agencies

Before you start

• Lease details (start date, rent, bond amount, address).
• Tenant names and contact details (email/mobile).
• Your contact + bank details (only needed if you will pay the bond instead of the tenant).

Path A — Raise bond; tenant pays via bank transfer (recommended)

1. Create a Lessor account (or log in) to the Rental Bonds Portal.
2. Click Lodge a bond and enter property + tenancy details to raise the bond.
3. The portal shows your bond number and unique payment reference.
4. Send the payment reference + amount to the tenant(s).
5. Tenant pays the bond by online bank transfer to the account shown.
6. You’ll see the payment applied to the bond (allow 7–14 days to reflect).
7. Receipts are emailed to you and the tenant; keep the bond number for your records.

Path B — Raise bond; you pay (owner pays on behalf of tenant)

1. Steps 1–3 as above to raise the bond.
2. Use the unique payment reference to pay the bond yourself by bank transfer.
3. Keep the receipt/bond number emailed after processing.

Path C — Tenant initiates lodgement (with your agreement)

• Tenants can submit the Tenant bond lodgement form electronically; Rental Bonds will then contact you or raise the bond so the payment reference can be issued and the tenant pays by bank transfer.

Timing & compliance

• Deadline: Lodge within 2 weeks of receiving the bond or the tenancy start date (whichever is later).
• Mandatory online: Bonds are lodged online in the portal (Housing ACT loans are handled by Housing ACT officers).
• Payment method: Bonds are paid by bank transfer using the unique payment reference (no card/BPAY in ACT).

Keep for your records

• The bond number, payment confirmation/receipt, tenancy agreement, and condition report.
• If you collected funds first, keep the tenant receipt and the date money was received.

Updated on: 17/09/2025