When a bond refund turns into a disagreement, we’re here to help sort it out.

When a rental agreement ends, the bond typically gets returned to the renter. If there’s disagreement between the renter and rental provider, such as a claim for unpaid rent, cleaning, or property damage, it can delay the refund. 

RDRV helps both renters and rental providers resolve bond disputes. We review the information available, discuss the issue with everyone involved, and help both parties agree on a solution that complies with Victorian rental laws. 

Any bonds that have not been lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority should be reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria. 

Just want to make a bond claim? Here’s how.

At the end of a rental agreement, the renter or rental provider can both apply to have the bond released through RTBA Online . If both parties agree, the bond is paid to the rental provider as outlined in the agreement.

Make a Bond claim to RTBA Apply for a bond dispute

How we help

We can help the parties to reach a fair and reasonable solution to any bond dispute, ensuring the outcome reflects the requirements of Victoria’s rental laws. Our staff will work with all parties to get to the bottom of the problem and reach an agreement that works for everyone.



When you apply to RDRV, one of our Resolution Coordinators will:

  • Contact you and provide information to help resolve your dispute, as well as share information on your legal obligations 
  • Contact all parties involved to get to the bottom of the problem 
  • Mediate discussions between everyone involved to reach an agreement 

How does RDRV work?

RDRV is a specialist rental dispute resolution and case management service provided by VCAT.

Using myRDRV, our online portal, can help you save time. We can work with you face-to-face or remotely, so you can choose to sort things out from anywhere that's convenient.

Here's how it works:

  1. Step1: Submit an application

    If you have a rental dispute, you can apply online through myRDRV, our online portal. You’ll need to provide your details and some basic information about what happened.

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  2. Step 2: Case review

    Once your application is submitted, an RDRV Resolution Coordinator will review the information and get in touch with you to discuss your options​.

    Illustration of a person reviewing a rental dispute cases or application

  3. Step 3: Resolution process

    RDRV communicates with both parties - renters and rental providers - to try and find a fair solution. We use mediation and negotiation techniques to help everyone involved come to an agreement that complies with rental laws​.

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What if we can’t agree?

Most disputes can be resolved by RDRV. If an agreement can’t be reached, the parties may need to go to a hearing.

If you need to go to a hearing, standard application fees will apply.

Your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will help you through the entire process. They’ll let the right people know what has happened with your application so far and that you have not reached an agreement. The Resolution Coordinator will help you to prepare a hearing and answer your questions.

Need help with Bond disputes?

If you’re having trouble resolving your Bond disputes, you can apply to RDRV for help. Just fill in your details and one of our Resolution Coordinators will be in touch. 

Apply now Contact us

Damage versus fair wear and tear – what's the difference?

Fair wear and tear happens naturally over time - things like faded paint, worn carpets, or minor scuff marks from daily use. Damage, on the other hand, is caused by negligence or misuse, such as holes in walls, broken fixtures, or stains from spills.

Rental providers can only make a bond claim for damage, not fair wear and tear. To find out more, read this fact sheet from Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Tips for dealing with bond disagreements 

  • For renters:

    For renters:

    • Always take photos and carefully read the condition report at the start and end of your rental agreement. It's important that you identify any information in the rental provider's condition report that you disagree with.
    • If you disagree with a bond claim, ask the rental provider for evidence of their claim.
    • If you think a bond claim is unfair, tell them why and see if you can reach an agreement.
    • If you can’t agree, apply to RDRV, and we will help you resolve the issue.
    • If needed, we will help you prepare the matter for a hearing.
  • For rental providers:

    For rental providers:

    • If you are making a bond claim, ensure you have a signed entry and exit condition report and photos to support your application.
    • Lodge a claim through RTBA Online and be prepared to provide evidence if the renter disputes it.
    • Try to communicate with the renter first to resolve issues.
    • If you can’t agree, apply to RDRV, and we will help you resolve the issue.
    • If needed, we will help you prepare the matter for a hearing.

Frequently asked questions

  • If a renter disagrees with a bond claim, they have the right to challenge it. The rental provider must provide evidence for any claims, and RDRV can assist in reviewing the details, discussing it with both parties and helping to reach a fair outcome.

  • Yes. If a rental provider refuses to return a bond without a valid reason, we can step in to clarify the issue, request evidence and work with both parties to reach a legally binding outcome.

  • If an agreement isn’t reached, we will provide guidance on next steps, including how to escalate the matter to a hearing if necessary.

  • If there is dispute regarding repayment of a bond held by the RTBA at the end of a rental agreement, you may apply to RDRV for determination. RDRV will seek a resolution of the dispute with the parties. If early resolution cannot be reached, the matter may be determined by a Member at hearing.

  • After you apply to RDRV, we will do everything we can to help you find a solution to your bond dispute. However, in some more complex cases, a dispute may end up having to go to a hearing. If this happens, your RDRV Resolution Coordinator will support you through the process and ensure that everything you have provided goes to the right person. This will make the process faster, so you don’t have to provide the same information twice. You will need to give evidence and present your story to a Member at the hearing.
    If you have to go to a hearing, you may have to pay an application fee. You can find information about costs, concessions, and discounts here.