The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 does not specify how quickly a landlord and tenant have to complete and submit a bond refund form at the end of a tenancy.
If the parties agree
If the tenant and the landlord agree on how the bond is to be split, they should fill out a bond refund form. Once everyone signs the form, it should be emailed to bonds@tenancy.govt.nz.
If you are using myRent to manage your tenancy, the bond refund form can be filled out and signed digitally by all parties. Once completed myRent submits it to Tenancy Services for processing.
Bond refunds are usually processed within ten working days.
Overpayments of rent
Section 31 of the Act states that upon the termination of the tenancy, the rent should be apportioned accordingly and any overpayment of rent shall be paid to the tenant immediately.
If the parties don't agree
If the tenants and the landlord do not agree on how the bond is to be split, any party can fill out a bond refund form.
The bond refund form without a signature of the other party can still be sent to Tenancy Services by emailing it to bonds@tenancy.govt.nz.
When such a form is received, the Tenancy Services will contact the other party seeking their approval to release the bond. If the other party agrees to the amounts claimed, then the bond can be returned.
If they can't agree, the bond will be placed into dispute. It will only be refunded on receipt of a fully completed bond refund form or by a Mediator's Order or by order of the Tenancy Tribunal.
Where there is a dispute, it's best to ask for a mediator to help reach an agreement. If this doesn't work, either party can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to claim part of the bond.
If the bond isn't claimed
If bond remains unclaimed for six years after the tenancy ends, the bond becomes the property of the Crown.
If you ever in doubt about the bond refund process, want to check what can be claimed, or need help with anything tenancy related call Tenancy Services directly on 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).
