Am I eligible?
You may be eligible for Rentstart Move if:
- you’re leaving public housing by choice, or
- you’re no longer eligible for a public housing lease and must move out, and:
- you don’t owe money on any of your Homes NSW accounts
- you don’t own or part-own a property
- you have less than $5,000 in savings or cash
- your new rent is no more than 60% of your total gross (before tax) weekly household income.
Example:
- if your household income is $500 per week, your rent must be $300 per week or less.
When can I apply?
You can apply for Rentstart Move:
- once you’ve found a private rental home
- while you’re still living in public housing.
You can’t apply for Rentstart Move if:
- you’ve already moved into your new private rental home.
How do I apply?
To apply for Rentstart Move:
- visit your local Homes NSW office, or
- call 1800 422 322.
What happens after I apply?
Your local office will:
- complete a Rentstart Move assessment form with you, and
- submit the form to be assessed.
How does it work?
If you’re approved
- Homes NSW will set up a repayment plan
- Homes NSW will fill in the Rental Bond form
- Homes NSW will send the form to your landlord or real estate agent
- Your landlord or agent must sign the form
- Your landlord or agent must send the signed form to the Rental Bond Board.
After this
- Homes NSW will pay the bond money directly to the Rental Bond Board.
Paying the loan back
You will need to make repayments on your loan every two weeks.
Most people pay the loan back over:
- 12 months, or
- 18 months.
If you have special needs, you may get up to 36 months to pay it back.
How long you get depends on:
- how much rent you pay, and
- how much income you have.
When your tenancy ends (when you move out)
If you have paid back the loan in full:
- when you move out, the bond is handled in the usual way
- if there is no money owed for rent, water charges or damage, the bond can be returned to you.
If you still owe money on the loan:
- Homes NSW may first take any money you still owe from your part of the bond
- If there is any bond money left, it will be returned to you.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions:
- Call the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322. Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
- Talk to someone at your nearest housing office. Find your nearest office here: Housing office finder.