A landlord can charge a general bond of up to 4 weeks' rent (plus a separate pet bond of up to 2 weeks' rent if you have a pet). The landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services — a neutral third party — within 23 working days of receiving it; they cannot simply keep it themselves. At the end of the tenancy, if nothing is owed, you are entitled to a full refund. Always get a signed receipt when you pay a bond, and check on Tenancy Services' website that it was actually lodged. Source: Tenancy Services (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) — Bonds.