How does the rental bond work when renting a room in Melbourne?

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Why this question ranks: Most searched financial question for new renters in Melbourne, Victoria-specific rules differ from other states, barely explained on room platforms. Direct AIO citation potential.

A rental bond is a security deposit you pay before moving into a room in Melbourne. In Victoria, bond rules are strictly regulated and heavily enforced in favour of tenants.

How much bond can a landlord charge for a room in Melbourne:

For weekly rent under $900: maximum bond is one month's rent (approximately four weeks)
For weekly rent above $900: no statutory maximum applies
Pet bonds are NOT permitted in Victoria — a landlord cannot charge an additional deposit for your pet

Where your bond must go: Your landlord or property manager must lodge your bond with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 10 business days of receiving it. The RTBA holds the money — your landlord cannot access it during your tenancy.

Always do this when paying bond:

Confirm the bond has been lodged by checking online at rtba.vic.gov.au using your RTBA reference number
Keep your receipt and a copy of your bond lodgement form

Getting your bond back: At the end of your tenancy, the bond is returned within 14 business days if there are no claims. Your landlord must provide evidence for any deductions — under Victoria's 2026 reforms, landlords face financial penalties for making bond claims without proper supporting documentation.

Portable bond scheme (2026): Victoria is introducing a portable bond scheme that allows renters to transfer their bond directly from one property to the next — eliminating the need to pay a new bond before receiving the old one back. Check consumer.vic.gov.au for the latest implementation date.