An innovative NSW Government initiative is helping domestic violence victim-survivors move into safe and stable accommodation.

Financial assistance to cover the cost of a rental bond has been expanded to enable more victim-survivors to access a home in the private rental market.

Under the Homes NSW Rentstart Bond Loan scheme, eligible people can access a loan of up to 100 per cent of their rental bond to secure rental accommodation.

The NSW Government waived the income eligibility threshold for the scheme for people experiencing domestic and family violence in October 2023 as part of a wider drive to address homelessness.

More than 39 people who may not have otherwise been eligible for Rentstart Bond Loan have now been assisted into housing with four weeks bond, plus an additional two weeks rent in advance.

Eligible clients have a up to three years to repay the interest-free loan.

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

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I have heard heart-breaking stories of Penrith women and children forced to sleep in their cars because they have fled a violent home.

“No woman should have to choose between staying in a violent relationship or sleeping rough.
“We’re building a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and not repeated.

“Expanding the eligibility criteria of the Rentstart Bond Loan scheme to enable domestic violence victim-survivors to rent a home on the private market allows them to rebuild their lives with confidence, knowing they have stable housing.