> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.propertynow.com.au/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# What is a bond and how does it work?

A rental bond is a **security deposit** paid at the start of a tenancy. If the tenancy is later renewed, the bond carries over and no new bond is taken. It protects you (the landlord) against unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or other breaches of the agreement. The bond is **separate from rent** and, in most jurisdictions, is **held by a government authority** until the tenancy ends (the **NT is different** — see below).

### Does PropertyNow collect or manage the bond?
Yes, PropertyNow offers on-platform bond collection for our Rental Management subscribers in all states except Tasmania. If you use this feature, we will create a payment request in your tenant's PropertyNow account and transfer the funds directly to you. Please keep in mind that while we facilitate the collection, you are still responsible for officially lodging the bond with your state's relevant authority. If you aren't a Rental Management subscriber, or if your property is in Tasmania, we don't collect the funds in-platform, but we provide detailed guidance for off-platform collection every step of the way (see below guides).

Rest assured, you can do this — even if you’ve never lodged a bond before! With the right links and details provided in your account, most online lodgements take just 10–20 minutes.

### How paying the bond works (state snapshot)
Where your state supports it, the **cleanest and safest option** is to have the **tenant pay the bond directly to the government bond authority** via the official online portal/invite. This keeps funds out of private accounts and gives everyone immediate receipts and a **bond number**.

### Specific guides for how to lodge the bond in each state

[How to lodge the bond in QLD](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-qld-owmpxr/)
[How to lodge the bond in ACT](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-act-1v8iiry/)
[How to lodge the bond in NT](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-nt-19fre2o/)
[How to lodge the bond in VIC](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-vic-1rq8iyd/)
[How to lodge the bond in NSW](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-nsw-1yblsrz/)
[How to lodge the bond in WA](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-wa-mi56b2/)
[How to lodge the bond in SA](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-sa-1gwmpgr/)
[How to lodge the bond in TAS](https://help.propertynow.com.au/en/article/how-to-lodge-the-bond-in-tas-1bedbt0/)

> **PropertyNow tip:** Don’t hand over keys until the **bond** (and typically the **first rent**) is paid and you have the **bond number or official receipt**.


### Must I lodge the bond?
* **Yes — in all states/territories except NT.** You must lodge the bond with the government bond authority via the official portal/forms. Penalties apply for failing to lodge on time.
* **NT only:** No central authority. You must **hold the bond in trust** in a compliant **NT** bank/ADI/statutory account and provide receipts/records.

> **Tip:** Rental Management subscribers can collect, track and record the bond from their PropertyNow account — see [bond management](https://www.propertynow.com.au/bond-collection/).