Bond lodgement (New Zealand)
The process of paying a residential tenancy bond to Tenancy Services within 23 working days of receiving it from the tenant, as required by the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.
In New Zealand, a residential tenancy bond is capped at four weeks’ rent and must be lodged with Tenancy Services — not held by the landlord. The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 requires the bond to be lodged within 23 working days of receipt, along with a signed bond lodgement form.
Tenancy Services holds the bond in trust for the duration of the tenancy. At the end of the tenancy, either party can request a refund; if there is a dispute, the bond is not released until the parties agree or the Tenancy Tribunal makes an order.
Holding a bond outside Tenancy Services, or failing to lodge within the statutory window, is a breach of the Act and can result in a work order or penalty from the Tribunal.
Primary source
Tenancy Services — Bond →Last reviewed 15 April 2026. Rates, thresholds, and deadlines change — always verify against the primary source before making decisions.