What steps can you take if your property manager is not returning your bond?
If your property manager is withholding your bond and not responding, you don’t have to wait on them. Here’s how you can take action:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. File the bond refund form | Submit the Bond Refund Form to Tenancy Services yourself. Leave the landlord/property manager's signature box blank. |
| 2. Tenancy Services contacts the manager | Tenancy Services will reach out to the property manager to ask if they want to claim any deductions from the bond. |
| 3. If no response | If the property manager doesn’t reply, Tenancy Services will process the full bond refund to you. |
| 4. If deductions are claimed | You’ll be asked if you agree with the proposed deductions. If you agree, the adjusted bond will be refunded. |
| 5. Dispute process | If you don’t agree with the deductions, the matter will go to the Tenancy Tribunal for resolution. |
Tenants in New Zealand have the legal right to independently file for a bond refund. You do not need to wait indefinitely for the landlord or property manager to initiate the process.