Victorian renters will be able to transfer their rental bond from one property to another from 1 July under a new state government scheme aimed at reducing the upfront costs of moving house.
The Portable Rental Bond Scheme, described by the Victorian Government as the first of its kind in Australia, will allow eligible renters to move an existing bond to a new rental property without waiting for a refund from their previous tenancy.
The change is intended to address a common challenge faced by renters, who are often required to pay a new bond before receiving the return of their existing one, leaving some households temporarily out of pocket by thousands of dollars.
From 1 July, renters will be able to apply online through Victoria’s residential tenancies bonds system to transfer their bond between properties.
The scheme forms part of a broader package of rental reforms introduced by the Labor Government in recent years. Those changes include a ban on rental bidding, the removal of no-fault evictions, minimum rental standards and the introduction of standard rental application forms.
Further changes are due to come into effect in October, requiring rental providers to provide evidence before making a claim against a tenant’s bond.
Housing and tenancy advocates have long argued that upfront moving costs can create barriers for renters seeking to relocate, particularly during periods of tight rental supply and rising living expenses. Property industry groups, while generally supportive of measures that improve efficiency in the rental system, have previously cautioned that reforms should balance the interests of both renters and rental providers.
Announcing the scheme, Minister for Renters Paul Edbrooke said moving house should not require tenants to pay two bonds at the same time.
“Moving house shouldn’t mean paying two bonds at once. From July 1, it won’t,” he said.
The government has linked the initiative to its wider rental reform agenda, while also criticising the Victorian Liberal Party’s opposition to previous tenancy law changes.
The Portable Rental Bond Scheme will become available to Victorian renters from the start of the new financial year.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
