How do I transfer my bond?
- Tell your rental provider or estate agent at the new property that you’ll pay the bond directly to the RTBA.
- Once your rental provider lodges the bond request, you will get an email from the RTBA asking you to review and complete your bond lodgement.
- If you’re eligible, you need to opt in, agree to the Terms and Conditions and pay a $25 application fee to transfer the bond. If your new bond is higher than your current bond, you’ll need to pay the difference.
What exactly is transferred when I use Portable Rental Bond Scheme?
When you use Portable Rental Bond Scheme, you are transferring the value of your existing bond or 'bond money' to your next rental property. The scheme does not include other types of bond transfers such as renter transfers or removal of renters. Read more about transferring renters on a bond.
What if the bond for the new rental property is lower than the existing bond?
If the new bond is lower than the existing bond and there are no claims on the existing bond, the difference will be returned to the renters. The return will be made via the standard bond claim process with the RTBA. Read more about claiming a bond.
Can I transfer only part of my existing bond?
No. Renters can’t choose the amount of the bond to transfer.
If the new bond amount is higher or the same as the existing bond, the entire bond will be transferred.
If the new bond amount is lower than the existing bond, only the amount needed for the new bond will be transferred. The remaining balance will stay on your existing bond until it is claimed.
Do I need to sign the new lease before transferring my bond?
Yes. You must have signed the lease for the second property but not paid for the bond under that agreement.
How many times can I transfer a bond?
You can transfer a bond each time you move to a new rental property, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and have no outstanding debt.
Can a bond funded by a Homes Victoria loan be transferred?
No. Bonds funded by a Homes Victoria loan are not eligible. The loan is issued for a specific rental property. When the tenancy ends, Homes Victoria gets the bond amount back. Renters can apply for a new bond loan from Homes Victoria for their next rental property. Read more about bond loans.
Can I transfer more than one bond to a new rental property?
No. Renters cannot combine 2 separate bonds from different tenancies to pay the bond for a new property. For example, when 2 people move in together from separate rentals, their existing bonds can’t be merged into one new bond transfer.
Can renters from share houses transfer a bond?
Yes. Share house renters can transfer their bond if all renters are listed on both rental agreements and all renters agree to transfer the bond.
Updated