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# 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.

> If you are a PropertyNow Rental Management subscriber, you can opt to collect the funds via a payment request in the tenant's PropertyNow account.

### 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.