Bond
Loans
VIC
From Melbourne to Bendigo, borrow $500 to $10,000 for a bond or moving costs.
Clear fees, fixed repayments and real people reading every application.
*Subject to lending criteria and T&Cs. Approval is not guaranteed. Visit our Policy Centre for more details.
Help With Your Bond in Victoria
In Victoria, a bond is usually capped at one month's rent. On a $575-a-week Melbourne rental, that's about $2,490 upfront, on top of your first month's rent. Homes Victoria offers bond loans for eligible low-income renters, and the bond is held by the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), not your landlord.
How rental bonds work in Victoria
- Maximum bond: 1 month's rent. The cap doesn't apply if weekly rent is over $900, or if VCAT sets a different limit
- Who holds it: The Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- Lodgement: Your landlord or agent must lodge it within 10 business days
- Getting it back: Claim through the RTBA when you move out. Disputed claims go to VCAT
Source: PropertyNow state-by-state bond guide, updated October 2026. Check Consumer Affairs Victoria for the latest rules.
To work out a monthly bond from weekly rent, multiply the weekly rent by 52, then divide by 12.
Homes Victoria bond loans
Homes Victoria bond loans, also called RentAssist bond loans, help low-income renters pay a bond for a private rental. The loan can cover all or part of the bond. If it covers part, you pay the rest.
Who can apply:
- You're on a low income and can't pay the bond any other way
- You're an Australian permanent resident
- You meet Homes Victoria's eligibility criteria
How it works:
- Check your eligibility and apply through Homes Victoria.
- If you're approved, you receive a bond loan voucher.
- Check the details and give the voucher to your landlord or agent, who lodges it with the RTBA before it expires.
- When you move out, the RTBA returns the bond to Homes Victoria. If your landlord doesn't claim any of it, you owe nothing.
If your landlord does claim part of the bond, they must apply to VCAT first, and you're expected to repay that amount to Homes Victoria.
Source: Consumer Affairs Victoria: Homes Victoria bond loans.
If you don't qualify for a Homes Victoria bond loan
- 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 your agent about timing: if you're moving within Victoria, ask whether the new bond can be paid once your old RTBA bond is released.
- Free renter advice: Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria can explain your rights.
- A personal loan: if the repayments fit your budget.
Jingle bond loans for Victorian renters
Jingle's rent and bond loans range from $500 to $10,000, for a bond, rent in advance or moving costs. Apply online from anywhere in Victoria, from Melbourne to Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo.
- 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 clear the loan when 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bond Loans in Victoria
⚠️ WARNING - Do you really need a loan today?*
It can be expensive to borrow small amounts of money and borrowing may not solve your money problems.
Check your options before you borrow:
- For information about other options for managing bills and debts, ring 1800 007 007 from anywhere in Australia to talk to a free and independent financial counsellor
- Talk to your electricity, gas, phone or water provider to see if you can work out a payment plan
- If you are on government benefits, ask if you can receive an advance from Centrelink or phone 13 17 94
The Government's MoneySmart website shows you how small amount loans work and suggests other options that may help you.
* This statement is an Australian Government requirement under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.
Credit provided by Jingle Finance Pty Ltd ACN 132 485 066 trading as Jingle Loans, Australian Credit Licence 388143, to approved applicants only. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and eligibility criteria apply. Comparison rates are true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Approval is not guaranteed. This information is general in nature and doesn't take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account.
