A rental bond — also called a security deposit — is money a tenant pays at the start of a tenancy that the landlord holds as insurance against unpaid rent, damage, or other breaches. In Fiji, rental bonds are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act (Cap. 240). Disputes over bonds are among the most common landlord-tenant conflicts — usually because the rules around deductions are poorly understood.
Residential Bond
1–2 months
Typical and considered reasonable by courts
Commercial Bond
2–3 months
Higher for large premises; negotiated in lease
Who Holds the Bond
Landlord
No government custodian in Fiji — unlike Australia or NZ
Refund Timeframe
14–21 days
After the tenancy ends and inspection is complete
How Much Can You Charge?
There is no single statutory cap on bond amounts in Fiji — the Landlord and Tenant Act does not fix a specific maximum the way Australian states do. However, standard practice and judicial interpretation suggest:
- Residential: 1 to 2 months' rent is typical and generally considered reasonable
- Commercial: 2–3 months is common, sometimes higher for large premises
- Charging an excessive bond (e.g., 6 months) with no justification may be challenged as unconscionable in a dispute
Whatever amount you agree on must be documented in the tenancy agreement signed by both parties.
Who Holds the Bond — and How
In Fiji, there is no government-run bond custodian — unlike Australia (where state authorities hold bonds in trust) or New Zealand. The landlord holds the bond directly. This is important:
ℹ️ BulaLease bond tracking
What Can and Cannot Be Deducted From the Bond
The most common bond dispute in Fiji courts is about fair wear and tear. The distinction is clear in law but often misapplied:
✓ Legitimate deductions
- ✓Unpaid rent at the end of the tenancy
- ✓Damage beyond fair wear and tear (broken windows, holes in walls, stained carpet)
- ✓Cleaning costs if property left materially worse than received
- ✓Costs from lease breaches (e.g., early termination without proper notice)
- ✓Replacement of lost keys or security items
✗ Cannot be deducted
- ✗Fair wear and tear — gradual deterioration from normal everyday use
- ✗Scuffed walls or worn carpet from normal living
- ✗Pre-existing damage that was not documented at move-in
- ✗Costs to repaint walls that were simply aged (not damaged)
- ✗Landlord's preference for upgrades or improvements
💡 Protect yourself with a move-in inspection
The Bond Refund Process
Conduct a move-out inspection within 3 days of the tenant leaving
Compare against the move-in condition report. Photograph everything — both damage and clean areas.
Identify legitimate deductions with documentation
Get quotes for repairs. Use actual invoices or receipts — not estimates — when calculating deductions.
Notify the tenant in writing of your deductions
Send a written breakdown of what you are deducting and why, with supporting evidence.
Return the balance within 14–21 days
Transfer the refund to the tenant's bank account. Keep a record of the transfer for your files.
Dispute via Small Claims Tribunal if agreement cannot be reached
Either party can file a claim at the Small Claims Tribunal for bonds up to FJ$5,000. Filing fee is minimal.
Bond Receipts — What Must Be Included
When a tenant pays a bond, issue a written receipt showing:
Keep a copy of this receipt — it is your evidence of how much was collected if a dispute arises later.