Articles on: Landlord questions

How to lodge the bond in NT

In the NT, there’s no portal to collect bond. The tenant pays you the bond and you must hold it on trust for them in an NT bank/financial institution account (or a trust account under the Agents Licensing Act). Give an immediate receipt if paid by cash/cheque/card, deposit the funds promptly, and keep clear records. If you will be outside the NT for more than 14 days, you must transfer the bond to a licensed real estate agent or a person approved by the Commissioner of Tenancies, and notify the tenant.


Authority/arrangements: There is no central bond authority in the NT. Landlords hold the bond in trust in a compliant NT bank account.

Contacts (NT Consumer Affairs / Commissioner of Tenancies): 1800 019 319 • 08 8999 1999 • consumer@nt.gov.au

Overview: Security deposits/bonds (NT.GOV.AU): https://nt.gov.au/property/private-renters/find-out-about-rental-costs/security-deposits-bonds

Factsheet: Bonds / Security deposits (PDF): https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/668113/bonds-or-security-deposits-factsheet.pdf

Law: Residential Tenancies Act 1999 (NT) — s 29 (bonds): https://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nt/consol_act/rta1999207/s29.html


Before you start


  • Tenancy details: address, start date, rent, bond (max usually 4 weeks’ rent).
  • An NT bank account suitable for holding the bond on trust (ADI or statutory corporation account per s 29).
  • A simple receipt template (date, payer’s name, amount, property address).


Exact steps — Owner holds bond in trust


  1. Agree the bond in your lease (typically up to 4 weeks’ rent).
  2. Collect the bond from the tenant (bank transfer preferred; cash/card/cheque allowed — see receipt rule below).
  3. Issue a receipt immediately if paid by cash/cheque/credit card. Include: date received, payer’s name(s), amount, any pet bond amount, and the rental property address. Provide a copy to the tenant.
  4. Deposit the funds into either: an account established under s 50 of the Agents Licensing Act 1979 (a trust account), or an account kept by you at an Authorised Deposit‑taking Institution (ADI) or a statutory corporation of the NT/Commonwealth.
  5. Record the account details (bank/BSB/account number) used for the bond. If the tenant requests these details in writing, you must provide them.
  6. Keep evidence of deposit (bank slip/statement) and store with the tenancy agreement and condition report.


If you’ll be outside the NT for more than 14 days


  1. Arrange to transfer the bond to a licensed real estate agent or a person approved by the Commissioner of Tenancies.
  2. Notify the tenant in writing of the agent/approved person’s details.
  3. Keep the transfer confirmation and tenant notification with your records.


Timing & compliance


  • Receipts: If paid by cash/cheque/credit card, provide a receipt immediately.
  • Compliant account: It’s an offence not to hold the bond in a compliant account under s 29.
  • Returning the bond: Within 7 business days of the tenant moving out, refund the bond minus any lawful deductions (damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, etc.). If there’s a dispute, contact NT Consumer Affairs or apply to the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.


Keep for your records


  • Receipt given to the tenant and bank deposit evidence
  • The account details where the bond is held (and any written tenant request + your response).
  • Tenancy agreement and condition report.
  • Any correspondence with an agent/approved person if you transfer the bond when away.


Where to get help


Updated on: 17/09/2025

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