Moving house can be expensive. Traditionally, tenants have needed to pay a new rental bond upfront while waiting for their previous bond to be refunded. Smart Rental Bonds is a new NSW Government initiative designed to make this easier by allowing eligible renters to transfer their existing bond to their new rental property, rather than paying the full new bond upfront.
The scheme is being rolled out across NSW from August 2026, with statewide availability expected by the end of the year.
The process is managed through Rental Bonds Online.
For example:
Your current bond: $2,500
Your new bond: $2,700
Instead of paying $2,700 upfront while waiting for your old bond back, your existing $2,500 bond can be transferred to your new property. You would only need to pay the $200 difference, plus the $25 Smart Rental Bonds fee.
If your new bond is lower, the difference will be dealt with when your previous tenancy is finalised.
Your old tenancy still goes through the normal bond finalisation process after you move out. If there are no agreed deductions, any money remaining after the transfer is refunded to you.
If your landlord or agent makes a claim against the old bond, the usual process still applies. If you agree to the claim, the NSW Government can pay the agreed amount to the landlord or agent and then invoice you for that amount.
If you disagree with a claim, you can still dispute it through the usual process, including NCAT where appropriate.
Generally, you can use the scheme if you:
There are some circumstances where the scheme isn't available, so it's worth checking your eligibility before relying on it.
The process is relatively simple:
1. Secure your new rental property
Let your agent or landlord know you intend to use Smart Rental Bonds.
2. Your new bond is set up
The agent or landlord submits the new bond through Rental Bonds Online.
3. Log into Rental Bonds Online
You'll receive a unique code for your new bond, which allows you to access the transfer option.
4. Transfer your existing bond
The system will show your existing bond, your new bond and any additional amount you need to pay.
5. Pay any difference
If your new bond is higher, you pay the difference plus the $25 fee.
6. Your previous tenancy is finalised
Once you move out, your old bond is finalised as normal and any remaining amount is settled.
No. Smart Rental Bonds is optional. You can continue to pay a new bond in the traditional way if you prefer.
The main benefit is simple: you may not need to have two rental bonds available at the same time when you move.
For tenants facing the costs of moving, this could make changing rental properties significantly easier.
As the scheme is being progressively rolled out, check the NSW Government's current information to see whether Smart Rental Bonds is available for your circumstances.
Find out more: NSW Government – Smart Rental Bonds
