Rental bond loans in Queensland
Department of Housing and Public Works's Bond loan helps renters on low incomes with a bond. Interest-free, fee-free loan of up to 4 weeks' rent, or 6 weeks with rent included.
What it covers
- Bond loan: up to 4 weeks' rent, for people who can't pay the full bond.
- Bridging bond loan: up to 4 weeks' rent for a new bond while your current bond is still held by the RTA.
- Bond loan plus: the bond plus 2 weeks' rent, up to 6 weeks' rent in total.
- A rental grant of 2 weeks' rent is also available to people in a housing crisis, and doesn't have to be repaid.
- All the bond loans are interest-free and fee-free.
Who can get it
- The department decides eligibility, and has an online tool to check whether you qualify.
Paying it back
- The loan must be repaid.
- When your bond is refunded, the RTA pays any amount still owing straight to the department, and the rest to you.
How to apply
- Once you're approved to rent a property, send your application and documents to the department.
- You can check an existing loan's balance online with your bond loan number and date of birth.
From Residential Tenancies Authority: Bond loan, checked on 25 October 2026. Rules and limits change, so check the official page before you apply.
If you don't qualify
A personal loan can cover a bond and moving costs, but it costs interest and fees, so treat it as a last resort after the free options. If you're getting a bond back from your current rental, you can use it to pay the loan off early.
If you get Centrelink payments, ask about an advance payment, and check you're receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance. The free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 can help you work out a plan.