Last reviewed
Housing and renting
Renting law is state law. In Queensland the bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority, and New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia each have their own office. Do not transfer a bond to a private account because a listing rushed you.
Queensland
Where is a Queensland rental bond lodged?
In Queensland the bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority, not left in an agent's account. Inspect the place, and keep the entry condition report.
- Residential Tenancies AuthorityChecked 24 Oct 2026Residential Tenancies AuthorityQueensland’s tenancy authority. Bonds are lodged here, not left in an agent’s account. (opens in a new tab)
- Queensland GovernmentChecked 24 Oct 2026Renting in QueenslandThe state government’s renting overview, including where the rules live. (opens in a new tab)
Other states
Which office covers renting in other states?
New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia each publish their own renting rules, including bonds and repairs. Read the page for the state you will live in.
- NSW Fair TradingChecked 24 Oct 2026Renting in New South WalesNSW Fair Trading’s renting section: agreements, bonds, and repairs. (opens in a new tab)
- NSW Fair TradingChecked 24 Oct 2026Starting a tenancy in New South WalesWhat happens before you sign in NSW, including the bond and the condition report. (opens in a new tab)
- Consumer Affairs VictoriaChecked 24 Oct 2026Renting in VictoriaConsumer Affairs Victoria’s guide to renting, bonds, and repairs. (opens in a new tab)
- WA Consumer ProtectionChecked 24 Oct 2026Renting a home in Western AustraliaWA Consumer Protection’s starting page for private rentals. (opens in a new tab)
Power bills
How do you compare electricity and gas plans?
Energy Made Easy is the government comparison site for electricity and gas plans in the states it covers. Victoria uses Victorian Energy Compare, and Energy Made Easy does not replace it.
- Energy Made EasyChecked 24 Oct 2026Energy Made EasyThe government comparison site for electricity and gas plans in the states it covers. (opens in a new tab)
- Victorian Energy CompareChecked 24 Oct 2026Victorian Energy CompareVictoria’s own energy comparison site. Energy Made Easy does not replace it. (opens in a new tab)
Sources
The answers above use these official pages. If a page and Life in Australia disagree, follow the official page.
- Residential Tenancies Authority (opens in a new tab) — Residential Tenancies Authority
- Renting in Queensland (opens in a new tab) — Queensland Government
- Renting in New South Wales (opens in a new tab) — NSW Fair Trading
- Starting a tenancy in New South Wales (opens in a new tab) — NSW Fair Trading
- Renting in Victoria (opens in a new tab) — Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Renting a home in Western Australia (opens in a new tab) — WA Consumer Protection
- Energy Made Easy (opens in a new tab) — Energy Made Easy
- Victorian Energy Compare (opens in a new tab) — Victorian Energy Compare