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# How to lodge the bond in VIC

In Victoria, you collect the bond from the tenant and then lodge through **RTBA Online**. You create an **Electronic Bond Lodgement**, add each tenant with a **unique email**, and they **confirm** via email/SMS (no paper forms). After all tenants confirm, **RTBA debits the bond from your nominated account** and emails everyone the **bond receipt/number**.

If you collected the bond yourself, you must lodge within **10 business days** of receiving it. If you are a PropertyNow Rental Management subscriber, you have the option to collect the bond directly through our platform before lodging it.

**Authority/portal:** Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (**RTBA Online**) **Phone:** 1300 137 164 **Register:** [https://rentalbonds.vic.gov.au/PropertyManager/Account/Register](https://rentalbonds.vic.gov.au/PropertyManager/Account/Register)

### **Before you start**
* Signed tenancy agreement (start date, rent, **bond amount**).
* Each tenant’s **full name** and **unique email address** (for verification).
* Your **bank account** details (RTBA **debits the bond** after tenant confirmation; ensure funds are available).
* **Decide your collection method:** Collect off-platform (Standard) or Collect via PropertyNow (Subscribers only).
* If you’ve already taken the money from the renter, diarise the **10 business day** deadline to lodge.

### **Step 1: Collect the funds**
**Path A — Collect off-platform (Standard)** Collect the bond directly from the tenant (e.g., via bank transfer).
**Path B — Collect via PropertyNow (Rental Management Subscribers Only)** Select the option to collect the bond via PropertyNow in your account. We'll create a payment request in the tenant's PropertyNow account. Once paid, the funds will be transferred to your bank account. You will still need to lodge with the RTBA.

### **Step 2: Exact steps for lodging via RTBA Online**
1. **Register / log in** to [RTBA Online](https://rentalbonds.vic.gov.au/) as a **rental provider (landlord)**.
2. From your dashboard, start **Electronic Bond Lodgement** and enter **property details** (address, start date, rent, bond).
3. Add **tenant(s)** with their full name and **unique email**; enter each person’s bond contribution if splitting.
4. **Submit** the lodgement. RTBA sends each renter an **email/SMS** to **confirm** their details (this replaces paper signing). If a renter **doesn’t respond within ~14 days**, the lodgement **cancels** and all parties are notified — you can re‑start it.
5. After all renters confirm, **RTBA debits** your nominated bank account **automatically** (avoid overdrafts; make sure funds are in the account).
6. RTBA **processes lodgements the same day or next business day** and emails the **bond receipt with the bond number** to you and the renters (by law, the receipt with the bond ID is issued within **7 days**).

### **Timing & compliance**
* If you receive the bond from the renter, you **must lodge with the RTBA within 10 business days**.
* Electronic lodgements are **paperless** and supported by **electronic funds transfer** (RTBA Online).

### **Keep for your records**
* **Bond number/receipt** email, tenancy agreement, and condition report.
* Transaction/**Electronic Transaction Number** (ETN) during lodgement, if shown — once registered, the ETN may no longer be valid but the **bond number** will be in the receipt.

### **Where to get help**
* Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance on [lodging bonds with the RTBA](https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/rtba-online-support/property-manager-guide-lodging-a-bond)
* RTBA support: **1300 137 164**.