How do rental bonds work in Queensland?

In Queensland, rental bonds act as a security deposit during your tenancy to cover potential property damage or unpaid rent. As outlined by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), bond amounts are capped to ensure fairness and transparency.

For standard residential properties—such as houses and apartments—the maximum bond is limited to four weeks’ rent. For moveable dwellings like caravans, the cap is two weeks’ rent, or three weeks if electricity is included in the rental cost.

For instance, if you’re renting an apartment at $500 per week, your bond cannot exceed $2,000. For a caravan rented at $250 per week without electricity, the bond is capped at $500.

Importantly, landlords must lodge all bond payments with the RTA. These rules apply to all types of bonds combined, including pet bonds, ensuring your funds are securely held and fairly returned at the end of your lease.

Source: Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland

Credit24 offers a range of rental bond loans in Queensland to match your specific needs, whether you're looking for a small bond for a studio apartment or need more substantial funds for a family home.

Small Bond Loans ($500-$2,000) Ideal for securing smaller rentals or shared accommodations in Queensland.

Medium Bond Loans ($2,001-$5,000) Perfect for standard family homes in Queensland's metropolitan areas.

Large Bond Loans ($5,100-$10,000) Designed for Queensland rental properties with higher bond requirements.

How to pay for a rental bond in Queensland?

When you're moving into a rental property in Queensland, paying the rental bond is an essential step. There are several ways to submit your bond payment, depending on what works best for you and your landlord.

1. Direct Online Payment to the RTA
The simplest and most secure method is paying your bond directly through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) Online Bond Lodgement portal. Once the payment is made, the system automatically notifies your landlord or property manager and issues a bond confirmation—creating an immediate and official record of your payment.

2. Payment via Property Manager or Landlord
You can also make your bond payment directly to your property manager or landlord. By law, they must issue you a receipt immediately and lodge your bond with the RTA within 10 days. While common, this method requires you to follow up to ensure your bond is properly lodged.

3. Paper-Based Lodgement
Though used less frequently today, some landlords still opt for paper lodgement. In this case, they complete a Bond Lodgement form with your details and send it to the RTA along with a cheque or money order. This method remains valid under Queensland rental regulations.

Need Help Covering the Bond?
If you’re short on funds, Credit24 offers rental bond loans in Queensland to help cover your upfront bond costs. You can borrow from $500 to $10,000 and repay it over time with flexible terms—so you can secure your new home without the financial strain.