A lot of renters assume they have to wait patiently for the property manager to decide how much of the bond to keep back for "carpet cleaning" or "painting," then sign whatever form gets sent their way. In most states, that's backwards — you don't have to wait for the landlord to move first.
The tenant-initiated claim (NSW, VIC, QLD, and similar states)
In New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and several other states, the moment you hand back the keys, you can lodge a claim for your full bond yourself through the state's online bond portal (Rental Bonds Online in NSW, the RTBA in Victoria, the RTA in Queensland). This puts the landlord or agent on the clock — in NSW, for example, they generally have 14 days to either accept the claim or apply to the tribunal (NCAT) to dispute it. If they don't act in time, the bond is paid out to you.
Important: this isn't the same everywhere
Western Australia works differently — bond money there is only released when both the landlord and tenant agree, or by order of a magistrate. There's no equivalent "lodge first and the clock starts running" mechanism. Always check your specific state or territory's process rather than assuming the NSW/VIC/QLD model applies nationwide.
What can and can't be deducted
Landlords can't deduct for fair wear and tear — carpets worn from normal use, paint faded by sunlight, blown light bulbs. Accidental damage or negligence (a broken door, kitchen burns) is a different matter and can be deducted for.
Build your evidence before you hand back the keys
Take timestamped photos of every corner of the empty property, and compare them directly against the condition report you signed when you moved in.
If the dispute goes to a tribunal
Where a landlord disputes your claim without solid invoices or receipts to back it up, the burden of proof sits with them at the tribunal (NCAT, VCAT, and equivalents in other states) — not with you.