How Much Bond and Prepaid Rent You Can (and Should) Take
Bond and prepaid rent set the financial guardrails for a tenancy and protect landlords. Most rules across Australia and New Zealand are similar, but each jurisdiction adds its own twist. Here’s your Mint Mate’s download:
Bond or Security Deposit
For most tenancies, bond is capped at 4 weeks’ rent. That’s the standard across Australia and New Zealand and applies to the majority of rentals. Bond is important to cover things like unpaid rent, cleaning fees, and repairs of damage caused by tenants.
Where jurisdictions differ
- Victoria (VIC) — Higher bond allowed if rent is $900+ per week
- Queensland (QLD) — Bond is capped at 4 weeks for general tenancies regardless of rent (moveable dwellings have lower caps)
- Western Australia (WA) — Standard 4 week bond plus optional pet bond (up to $260)
- South Australia (SA) — Bond can be up to 6 weeks if rent is over $250/week
- New Zealand (NZ) — Bond can be up to 4 weeks, no extras
Prepaid Rent
Most jurisdictions limit prepaid rent to 2 weeks. It’s designed to keep things fair and prevent large upfront payments. Prepaid rent helps demonstrate the tenant’s ability to pay rent and creates a buffer if they lag on payments.
Where jurisdictions differ
- Victoria (VIC) — Up to 1 month, and more if rent is $900+ per week
- Tasmania (TAS) — Up to 4 weeks
- Northern Territory (NT) — Up to 1 month
Calculate the Bond and Prepaid Rent for Your Property
Enter your jurisdiction and weekly rent to see the maximum bond and prepaid rent you can legally take.
Your maximums
Mint Takeaway
Bond protects you at the end of a tenancy. Prepaid rent protects you throughout.
Mint handles bond collection, receipts, rent tracking, and compliance notices — tailored to your contract and jurisdiction.