Hi everyone, just wanting some advice regarding a lodging agreement in NSW. I live in a boarding/lodging-style accommodation in Sydney and signed a “Lodging Agreement” (not a standard residential tenancy agreement). The agreement states I paid a 4-week security deposit/bond when I moved in back in 2023. My weekly occupancy fee/rent increased. Management contacted me recently and said they “never updated” my security deposit when the rent increased, and are now asking me to pay an extra amount to match the new 4-week amount. I checked my agreement and can’t find any clause saying the bond/security deposit must be topped up if the occupancy fee increases later on. I also looked online and found information suggesting bonds are generally paid at the start of the tenancy when moving in.
Since this is a lodging/boarding agreement rather than a standard lease, I’m unsure what rules apply here in NSW. Are they legally allowed to ask for an additional bond top-up after the agreement has already started and after a rent increase? Or would this only apply at the beginning of the agreement? Thanks!