Arabic version: إطلاق نظام سندات الإيجار القابلة للنقل في نيو ساوث ويلز

According to ABC News, New South Wales renters moving into selected suburbs can now transfer an existing rental bond to a new property through the government’s Smart Rental Bonds scheme.

The online service, overseen by NSW Fair Trading, is initially available to renters moving into the Parramatta, Penrith and Central Coast local government areas. Users pay a $25 application fee, nominate the bond to transfer and pay any difference where the new bond is higher. Renters can receive a refund if the new bond is lower, provided no claim is made on the existing bond.

Shelter NSW chief executive John Engeler said the need to find money for a second bond can be a major barrier to moving, particularly for people on low and very low incomes. He described the scheme as a “game changer”, while saying he would prefer it to be free.

Landlords can continue to make claims for unpaid rent or damage. Where a tenant agrees, the government will pay the landlord and the renter must repay the government within 28 days. Disputed claims can be determined by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the phased rollout was needed because NSW has close to a million bonds worth $2.3 billion. The scheme was delayed from a planned late-2025 launch, and he said further locations would be added in coming months, with statewide access targeted by the end of the year if the rollout goes well.