Apply for a Rentstart Bond Loan

If you're wanting to get into the private rental market, but finding it financially difficult to get started, you may be eligible to apply for a Rentstart Bond Loan. The loan, which can be up to 100% of your rental bond, is interest free.

The payments you make are returned to you at the end of the tenancy if there's no claim made by the landlord or real estate agent.

You can apply for a Rentstart Bond Loan, online.

Note: Part of the online process will require input from your real estate agent/landlord. An email will be sent to them with a link to complete the Property Information form.

Eligibility

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident who resides in NSW, and:

• be eligible for social housing
• meet the income and assets eligibility limits for your household
• have less than $5000 in cash assets
• not own or part-own property (waivers apply)
• have been approved for the rental property
• the rent for the property you want to rent is not more than 50% of your household’s total gross (before tax) weekly income.

What you need

Applying online

• 2 proof of identity documents that will be verified electronically:
  • Australian driver licence
  • Australian passport
  • Medicare card

  Download Evidence Requirements Information Sheet – PDF for detailed guidance on what documentation may be required during your online application.

  Applying offline

  In addition to the Evidence Requirements Information Sheet – PDF you'll also need the following 3 PDF forms:

  • 'Part A – Application for Rentstart Bond Loan'
  • 'Part C – Property Information' – to be completed by the estate agent or property owner
  • 'Part E – Rentstart Bond Loan Agreement' – outlines the Terms and Conditions,

  and depending on your situation, one or more of the following:

  • 'Part B – Additional Persons' – if people aged over 18 years will be housed with you
  • 'Part D – Income from Employment' – to be completed by your employer if you're working
  • 'Authority for Bond Loan Deduction' – if you're a Centrelink customer.

  How to apply

  Online

  If you need help completing the online application visit Rentstart Bond Loan online help.

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.
  2. Select the 'Apply online' button.
     Note: You can save and resume your application, but if you have not submitted it within 14 days, any details you’ve entered will be deleted.
  3. Register to access the online application form.
  4. Enter all information as requested.
  5. Review and submit.

  Offline

  If you don't wish to apply online:

  1. Download the appropriate PDF forms.
  2. Gather together:
     • all appropriate completed forms
     • your ID documents
     • bank statement(s)
     • pay slips (if applicable)
     • proof of assets (if applicable).
  3. Fax or email your application to the details on 'Part A – Application for Rentstart Bond Loan' form.

  More information

  • In exceptional circumstances, a loan may be provided for up to 100% of the bond.
  • Your repayment plan is based on how much of your income is spent on rent.