[Your name and address]

[Address of local Fair Trading Centre]

[Date]

Dear Sir/Madam

MORE THAN 4 WEEKS BOND REQUIRED OR RECEIVED

I signed a residential tenancy agreement for the above premises on [date]. 

This agreement provides for payment of $[amount] rent per week. 

The [landlord/landlord’s agent] required a bond of $[amount], which is more than 4 weeks rent. 

I draw your attention to section 159 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) (“the Act”), which states:

“(1) A landlord, landlord’s agent or any other person, must not require or receive from a tenant or another person a rental bond of an amount exceeding 4 weeks rent under the residential tenancy agreement for which the bond was paid (as in force when the agreement was entered into).”

The Act provides that a breach of the above section is an offence punishable by a fine of up to $2200.

I have attached copies of my residential tenancy agreement and my bond receipt.

I ask Fair Trading to investigate this breach of the Act and to prosecute the [landlord/landlord’s agent] for the offence. If Fair Trading decides not to take action, I ask that I be provided with written reasons for that decision.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on [phone number] if you wish to discuss this matter.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]