Deducting repair costs from a rental bond in Victoria involves a formal claim process against the bond held with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). It’s about covering legitimate damage beyond fair wear and tear, not routine maintenance.
As of December 2025, in Melbourne, particularly within the Eastern Suburbs where we see a high volume of quality rental properties, landlords (or their property managers acting on their behalf) must lodge a claim with the RTBA. This claim requires detailed evidence – quotes for repairs, invoices, and photographic evidence demonstrating the damage existed at the end of the tenancy and wasn’t pre-existing. Currently, the RTBA assesses claims based on these details. Common deductions relate to damage like broken windows, holes in walls, or stained carpets. However, simply repainting walls to freshen them up isn’t usually deductible, as this is considered fair wear and tear. In 2026, we anticipate continued scrutiny from the RTBA regarding the validity of claims, so thorough documentation is crucial. The process can take several weeks, and tenants have the right to dispute the claim. Fletchers’ property management team routinely prepares comprehensive condition reports at the start and end of tenancies to minimise disputes and support legitimate bond claims.
Successfully claiming against a bond requires meticulous record-keeping and adherence to Victorian tenancy laws.