Over 200 victim-survivors of domestic and family violence have received support under the expanded Rentstart Bond Loan scheme as the NSW Government continues work to build a safer New South Wales. 

The Renstart Bond Loan scheme was expanded in October 2023, allowing victim-survivors of domestic and family violence to access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure accommodation. 

Since then, to 28 February 2025, 204 victim-survivors across New South Wales who would otherwise have been ineligible have been approved for the scheme and are in safe and stable accommodation. 

The expansion of this scheme to all victim-survivors of all income levels recognises the urgency of a domestic violence response and removes a potential financial barrier that may be faced when leaving an abusive situation. 

Prior to this expansion, income eligibility had to be met to access the scheme.

The NSW Government is recommitting to creating a safer New South Wales for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence, including addressing homelessness. This includes: 

• Implementation of a Primary Prevention Strategy to address the drivers of domestic family and family violence.
• Expanding the Men’s Behaviour Change Programs that work with perpetrators of domestic and family violence to reduce or prevent the recurrence of abusive behaviour. 
• Expanding the Staying Home Leaving Violence program across the state.
• Investing a historic $5.1 billion for social and affordable housing, of which at least 50 per cent of new homes built will be prioritised for women and children fleeing family and domestic violence.

Annually, it is estimated that 7,690 women return to perpetrators due to having nowhere affordable to live, with domestic and family violence being the leading cause of homelessness for women. 

More information on the Rentstart Bond Loan scheme is available at https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/factsheets/rentstart-bond-loan.

Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said, “We know that finding safe, secure and affordable accommodation is one of the key barriers for many women who are trying to escape an abusive relationship.

“That’s why this Government is offering historic financial assistance to ensure that women and children experiencing domestic and family violence can get a foothold in the private rental market, delivering the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

“We’re looking at a range of ways to support people fleeing violent households, and this includes building more social and affordable housing right across NSW and prioritising access to these homes for victim-survivors and their children.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “Domestic and family violence is a key contributor to women’s homelessness in NSW, and securing safe housing is a critical hurdle for women escaping abusive relationships. 

“You can’t leave violence if you don’t have somewhere safe to go.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen the Rentstart Bond Loan waiver scheme help more women and children when they leave violent households because of the expanded eligibility criteria. 

“It’s just one of the many ways the NSW Government is demonstrating our commitment to supporting victim-survivors and helping them build a future free from violence.”

Support:

• If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.
• For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN on 13 92 76.
• Call the NSW Domestic Violence Line for free counselling and referral services on 1800 656 463 or Link2Home for homelessness support on 1800 152 152.