Apply for Rentstart Move assistance

Introduction

If you are moving out of public housing into the private rental market you may be eligible to apply for Rentstart Move. This includes if you are moving because you: 

• are no longer eligible for social housing or
• you are leaving public housing for your own reason.

Rentstart Move is an interest-free loan for up to 100% of your rental bond. 

If no claim is made by the landlord or real estate agent at the end of the tenancy the money you have repaid to Homes NSW is returned to you.

How it works

Rent and loan amounts

The rent for the private rental property must not be more than 60% of your household total gross (before tax) weekly income.

Payment of the bond

If your application for Rentstart Move is approved Homes NSW will send a completed Rental Bond Lodgement form to your landlord or agent.

Your landlord or agent must sign the form and send it to the Rental Bond Board.

When the completed and signed form is lodged the bond amount to be provided by Homes NSW will be paid to the Rental Bond Board.

Loan repayments

You will agree a payment plan with Homes NSW:

• based on how much of your income is spent on rent
• for a 12 or 18-month period
• requiring fortnightly (every 2 weeks) payments by you to Homes NSW.

In an exceptional situation a 36-month payment plan may be offered.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for Rentstart Move if:

• you are leaving public housing for your own reason or because of changes to your income and assets
• your rent and all other Homes NSW accounts have a nil balance or are in credit
• you have less than $5,000 in cash assets
• the rent for the private rental property is not more than 60% of your household total gross (before tax) weekly income
• you have not yet moved into your new private rental home.  

How to apply

1. Find the private rental place you wish to move into.
2. To apply for Rentstart Move 
   • visit your local Homes NSW office (DCJ Housing) or 
   • call 1800 422 322. 

Note: Make sure you apply before moving into your private rental or you will not be eligible for the loan.

More information

For more information visit the Homes NSW website:

• Finding social and affordable housing
• Rentstart Assistance Policy.