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# 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
**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 on 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.

> **TIP:** 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. We will also automatically generate a compliant receipt for your tenant.

### 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

* **NT Consumer Affairs / Commissioner of Tenancies:** 1800 019 319 • consumer@nt.gov.au
* **Guide to Renting in the NT (PDF)** — bonds, condition reports, and disputes: https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/_resources/documents/for-consumers/residential-tenancies/guide-to-renting-in-the-nt.pdf