Tenants are being urged to lodge their bond forms as figures show Dunedin tenants and landlords are owed more than $3 million in bond payments.
Figures released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment showed that as of this week it was holding $3,072,803.37 in bonds it was unable to return to landlords and tenants in the Dunedin area.
The figure was made up of unclaimed bonds - which neither the tenant nor landlord had applied for - totalling $2,174,905.90 and uncollected bonds - which could not be given out because bank details had not been provided - totalling $897,897.47.
Otago University Students' Association (OUSA) president Francisco Hernandez said it was not surprising so much was owing.
''It's not a surprise to see a good number owing at this time of year as many students don't get around to sending their forms in until they get back together in February.''
He urged all tenants to ''take a few minutes'' to send their bond forms to the ministry.
''The landlord then has a set period to return a reply. If they do not, then the bond is released back to the tenants.
''We plan to inform students they can return the bond refund form without having the landlord sign it, which can sometimes be a hassle, and in 2013 we're pushing to inform more students of the power and ease of using the 14-day notice to ensure work is done around the more dodgy flats.''
Tenants and landlords can find out if they are owed bond money by calling 0800-TENANCY (836-2629).
