Property Manager Not Returning Bond? Steps for NZ Renters

What to do if my property manager in NZ won't give back my bond?

Quick Summary

If your property manager isn't returning your bond, you can file the Bond Refund Form with Tenancy Services yourself, leaving the landlord's signature blank. Tenancy Services will then contact them about any deductions, and if they don't respond or you dispute the claims, it can go to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Details

Getting Your Rental Bond Back in New Zealand

If you're a tenant in New Zealand and your property manager is withholding your bond without a valid reason or response, you have the right to take action yourself.

Steps to Take:

  1. Submit the Bond Refund Form: You can initiate the process by submitting the Bond Refund Form directly to Tenancy Services. Crucially, leave the landlord or property manager's signature section blank.
  2. Tenancy Services Intervention: Tenancy Services will then contact the property manager. They will ask if the manager intends to claim any deductions from your bond.
  3. No Response Means Full Refund: If the property manager fails to respond to Tenancy Services within the given timeframe, Tenancy Services will proceed with processing the full bond refund back to you.
  4. If Deductions are Claimed: If the property manager does claim deductions, Tenancy Services will ask if you agree with these proposed amounts. If you accept the deductions, the adjusted bond amount will be refunded to you.
  5. Disputing Deductions: Should you disagree with the proposed deductions, the matter will be escalated to the Tenancy Tribunal for a formal resolution.

Remember, you do not need to wait indefinitely for your property manager to act. You have legal avenues to pursue your bond refund independently.

Source: https://www.tenancy.govt.nz/rent-bond-and-bills/bond/refunding-a-bond/