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# How to lodge the bond in SA

In SA you can lodge online in **RBO** without handling money. Create a **bond payment request** in the portal and send it to your tenant — they **pay their bond by debit/credit card inside RBO**. You’ll both get email notifications and a **bond number/receipt** when it’s lodged. If you do take money directly (not recommended), you must **lodge it within 2 weeks**.

**Authority/portal:** Consumer and Business Services (**Residential Bonds Online — RBO**)
**Phone:** 131 882
**Start here:** Lodging a bond (SA.GOV.AU): https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/renting-and-letting/residential-bonds/lodging-a-bond
**RBO user portal:** https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/sections/renting/bonds/rbo-user-portal
**Create / sign in:** Consumer portal (landlords/individuals): https://portal.cbs.sa.gov.au/consumer/s/login/
**Manual option:** the current bond lodgement form is linked from Lodging a bond (SA.GOV.AU): https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/renting-and-letting/residential-bonds/lodging-a-bond

### Before you start

* Tenancy basics: address, start date, weekly rent, **bond amount** (usually up to **4 weeks’ rent**; up to **6 weeks** if weekly rent is above the threshold).
* Each tenant’s **full name**, **email** and **mobile**.
* Be ready to complete **ID verification** (RBO uses the national Document Verification Service for landlords and tenants).

### Path A — **RBO (recommended): you raise the bond; tenant pays in RBO**

1. [Create](https://tenancies.applyonline.sa.gov.au/rbo/bond/) or sign in to the **Consumer portal** and open **Residential Bonds Online**.
2. Choose **Lodge a bond** and enter **property + tenancy** details (bond total, start date, rent).
3. Add tenant(s) with a **unique email** each and **send a payment request**.
4. Tenant receives an email/SMS, **activates their RBO access**, and **pays by card** inside RBO. Each person can pay their **own contribution**.
5. You’ll see the bond move to **lodged** and receive a **bond number + receipt** by email. Keep this with your tenancy file.

### Path B — **Tenant lodges (their RBO account)**

* Tenants can **lodge and pay** the bond from their own RBO account using a **debit/credit card**. You’ll be notified in RBO when they link you to the tenancy and the bond is lodged.

### Path C — **Manual email/post (only if not using RBO)**

1. Download the **Bond lodgement form (PDF)**.
2. **Both landlord and tenant sign** the form.
3. Pay by **direct debit (authorise on the form)** or send a **cheque/money order** payable to *Residential Tenancies Fund*; submit by **email or post** as instructed on the form.
4. You’ll receive a **receipt/bond number** by email when processed.

> **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.

### Timing & compliance

* If you receive the bond from the tenant, you **must lodge within 2 weeks**.
* Give the tenant a **receipt within 48 hours** if they pay you directly.
* RBO supports **split payments** and keeps an audit trail; paper forms require **both parties’ signatures**.

### Keep for your records

* **Bond number/receipt** email, tenancy agreement, and **condition report**.
* If using paper, a copy of the **signed Bond lodgement form** and payment proof.