Bond
Loans
NSW

How rental bonds work in NSW

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent
• Who holds it: NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bond Board), not your landlord
• Lodgement: Your landlord or agent must lodge it within 10 working days, usually through Rental Bonds Online
• Getting it back: You and your landlord agree on the refund, or apply to NSW Fair Trading. Disputes go to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Source: PropertyNow state-by-state bond guide, updated October 2026. Check NSW Fair Trading for the latest rules.

The Rentstart Bond Loan

Rentstart is an interest-free loan from Homes NSW that pays all or part of your bond for a private rental. You only repay what you borrow.

Who can apply:

• You're 18 or older (some 16 and 17 year olds may be considered)
• You're an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• You're eligible for social housing, including its income and asset limits
• You have less than $5,000 in cash savings
• You don't own property
• You've already been approved for a private rental
• The rent is no more than 60% of your household's gross weekly income

People leaving domestic or family violence may be eligible even if their income is above the usual limit.

How it works:

1. Apply online through Service NSW, or call the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322.
2. If you're approved, Homes NSW sends a bond form to your landlord or agent.
3. Homes NSW pays the bond straight to the Rental Bond Board.
4. You repay the loan every two weeks, usually over 12 or 18 months.

Source: NSW Government: Rentstart Bond Loan.

If you don't qualify for Rentstart

Many working renters earn too much for Rentstart but still can't find a full bond and first rent at short notice. A few options:

• No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS): up to $3,000 for a bond or rent in advance, with no interest or fees, if you're eligible. Call 13 64 57.
• Ask about a bond guarantee: some agents accept bond guarantee products instead of cash. Check the costs and terms carefully.
• Get your old bond back first: if you're moving within NSW, apply for your current bond refund as early as the rules allow.
• A personal loan: if the repayments fit your budget.

Jingle bond loans for NSW renters

Jingle's rent and bond loans range from $500 to $10,000. You can use them for a bond, rent in advance or moving costs. Our team is based in Neutral Bay and works Sydney business hours.

• Small loans ($500 to $2,000): 20% establishment fee and 4% monthly fee, no interest
• Medium loans ($2,001 to $5,000): $400 establishment fee and 47.6% p.a. (comparison rate 69.04% p.a.)
• Large loans ($5,001 to $10,000): no establishment fee, 45% p.a. (comparison rate 45% p.a.)

Comparison rates are true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. There are no early repayment fees, so you can pay the loan off once your old bond comes back. Customers with PayID-enabled banks may receive funds within 60 minutes during business hours, once approved and the contract is signed. Approval is not guaranteed.

How to make sure you get your bond back

1. Complete the condition report carefully. Note every mark and take dated photos when you move in.
2. Report repairs in writing during your lease.
3. Clean thoroughly before you leave, and compare the property against your photos.
4. Lodge your refund claim promptly through Rental Bonds Online.