Community & Business
23 September, 2026
State-Wide Smart Rental Bonds scheme to help renters save money
NSW renters will now have access to Smart Rental Bonds, potentially saving them thousands
Every renter in NSW can now avoid having to find thousands of dollars for a second bond when they move home, with the Smart Rental Bonds scheme rolling out statewide on Wednesday, September 16, months ahead of schedule.
With a successful first phase of the rollout in the local government areas of Penrith, Parramatta, and the Central Coast last month, the new system is now being launched in all areas of NSW.
Almost $1 million worth of bond transfers have now successfully been made, meaning a statewide rollout can begin earlier than anticipated.
“Moving home is expensive enough without having to find thousands of dollars for a second bond while your first one is still tied up,” premier of NSW, Chris Minns, said.
“More than two million people rent in NSW, [Smart Rental Bonds] is a practical change that makes moving home easier and takes one big financial pressure off their shoulders,” Mr Minns said.
The new scheme allows renters to transfer their existing bond from one property to the next, eliminating the need to come up with thousands of dollars upfront every time they move home. This is expected to save renters up to $4000 each time they move home.
Renters can use Smart Rental Bonds through a few easy steps.
Renters will be notified once a landlord or agent lodges a bond request online.
The renter then logs onto Rental Bonds Online and chooses to either pay their new bond upfront or use Smart Rental Bonds to move their existing bond to the new property.
They will then pay a small fee of $25.
If the new bond is higher than the old one, the renter will need to pay the difference, but if the bond is cheaper, they will get the difference back provided there is no agreed claim on the bond.
If a landlord at the original property makes a finalised claim on a bond, the NSW government will pay the landlord upfront. The renter will then repay the government, meaning landlords face no financial risk.
Smart Rental Bonds delivers a portable rental bonds system and provides important cost-of-living relief for renters.
“Moving home is already one of life's more expensive and stressful events,” said NSW rental commissioner, Trina Jones.
“Smart Rental Bonds is designed to reduce that pressure by helping renters avoid the need to find money for a second bond while they're waiting for their first bond to be returned.
“We're pleased to be rolling this out statewide and look forward to seeing more renters benefit from a simpler, more flexible bond system as it expands across NSW,” Ms Jones said.
