Dodgy landlord pockets bond

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said, as the bond wasn’t lodged, the tenant had no security over the funds.

“A bond remains the tenant’s money until the landlord makes a claim on it due to unpaid rent or damage to the property. It is not money that should be retained by the landlord to be returned at their discretion,” Mr Hillyard said.

Ive Cvitan of Darch entered into a rental agreement with the tenant in May 2017 when the $1,400 bond was paid and a receipt was issued. However, Mr Cvitan did not provide the tenant with the completed agreement nor give them a property condition report.

When the tenant moved out, she did not receive her bond back and claimed that Mr Cvitan was avoiding paying her back.

Mr Hillyard has warned others to ensure they lodge a tenant’s bond within 14 days. 

“Private landlords, as well as real estate agents and property managers, need to comply with the law and transfer bond payments to the bond administrator as soon as practicable and certainly within 14 days. There are serious consequences for those who don’t comply,” he said.