The Department of Communities offers
bond assistance and two weeks' rent in advance as an interest-free loan to help
people obtain accommodation in the private rental market. Maximum loan amounts depend
on your circumstances.
This loan scheme is one of the most
frequently accessed housing options, with more than 10,000 loans approved each
year.
To find out if you are eligible to apply
for a bond, you will need to complete a Housing Options Assessment. This
can be collected and completed at any Housing Office and submitted in person,
via email, by mail or fax. Where required, arrangements can be made to complete
the form over the phone. The assessment will provide you with information about
a range of housing products and services you may be eligible for based
on your current household circumstances.
The Assessment is not an
application for assistance and does not guarantee eligibility. If you are
assessed as potentially eligible, you can lodge a formal bond application when
the assessment is completed.
If approved for a bond loan, the
Department will give you conditional approval. This will provide you
with the criteria required to meet full eligibility, your affordability and a
form for your prospective landlord to sign. You must return this form to the
Department, who will then confirm this immediately with your landlord and
arrange prompt payment.
Alternatively, if you have paid the bond
or two weeks' rent in advance to the landlord or real estate agent, then the
Department can refund this to you - but you must apply within eight weeks of
payment of the bond or rent in advance and produce evidence of the payment made
to the landlord.
The loan is repaid in regular payments at
a minimum of $25 per fortnight.
Applicants must meet Bond Assistance
Loan Scheme income limits including:
- not having assets above $2,500 for singles without dependants
- not having assets above $5,000 for singles with dependants
- not having assets above $5,000 for couples with or without dependants
- being 16 years or over
- rent not being more than 60 percent of an applicant's gross income.