The Housing Authority operates within the Department of Communities (Communities).
Communities offers bond assistance and two weeks' rent in advance as an interest-free loan to help people obtain accommodation in the private rental market. Maximum loan amounts depend on your circumstances.
This loan scheme is one of the most frequently accessed housing options, with more than 10,000 loans approved each year.
To find out if you are eligible to apply for a bond, you will need to complete a Housing Options Assessment. This can be collected and completed at any Communities Housing office or via the Housing Options Assessment link and submitted in person, via email, by mail or fax. Where required, arrangements can be made to complete the form over the phone. The assessment will provide you with information about a range of housing products and services you may be eligible for based on your current household circumstances.
The Assessment is not an application for assistance and does not guarantee eligibility. If you are assessed as potentially eligible, you can lodge a formal bond application when the assessment is completed.
If approved for a bond loan, Communities will give you conditional approval. This will provide you with the criteria required to meet full eligibility, your affordability, and a form for your prospective landlord to sign. You must return this form to Communities, who will then confirm this immediately with your landlord and arrange prompt payment.
Alternatively, if you have paid the bond or two weeks' rent in advance to the landlord or real estate agent, then Communities can refund this to you. You must apply within eight weeks of payment of the bond or rent in advance. When submitting your application, you must produce evidence of the payment made to the landlord and confirmation that the bond has been lodged with the Bond Administrator.
The loan is repaid in regular payments at a minimum of $25 per fortnight.
Applicants must meet Bond Assistance Loan Scheme income limits including:
- assets less than $5,000 for singles
- assets less than $10,000 for singles with dependants
- assets less than $10,000 for couples with or without dependants
- being 16 years or over
- rent not being more than 60 percent of an applicant's gross income.
If you have any queries, please contact your local Communities Housing office.
To access a range of resources, including frequently asked questions (FAQs), brochures, application checklist, rent reduction form and evidence requirements factsheet, please visit our Resources webpage.
Income and loan limits
Show moreIncome limits
The following income limits apply when applying for a bond assistance loan.
|
Household type |
Metropolitan and country |
People with a Disability |
Northwest and remote |
People with a disability in Northwest and remote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
One person |
$988 |
$1235 |
$1265 |
$1,581 |
|
Two persons - adults |
$1,413 |
$1,766 |
$1,801 |
$2,251 |
|
Two persons - adult plus dependant |
$1,693 |
$2,116 |
$2,160 |
$2,700 |
|
Three persons |
$1,693 |
$2,116 |
$2,160 |
$2,700 |
|
Four persons |
$1,693 |
$2,116 |
$2,160 |
$2,700 |
|
Five persons |
$1,925 |
$2,406 |
$2,449 |
$3,061 |
|
Six persons |
$2,148 |
$2,685 |
$2,735 |
$3,419 |
*Gross weekly income limits (your income before tax).
For further information on bond assistance, please contact your local Communities Housing office.
Maximum loan limits for bond assistance
The Bond Assistance Loan scheme is one of the most frequently accessed housing options, with more than 10,000 loans approved each year. As this scheme is means tested, income limits are in place.
Maximum levels of assistance: Household type
|
Household type |
Metropolitan and country* |
Remote and Northwest* |
|---|---|---|
|
Single |
$1600 |
$1800 |
|
Two people (couple or adult with child) |
$1700 |
$1960 |
|
Three people |
$1760 |
$2000 |
|
Four people |
$1800 |
$2200 |
|
Five people |
$2000 |
$2800 |
|
Six people |
$2000 |
$2800 |
*Plus two weeks rent in advance.
Income limits downloadable PDF version.
For further information on bond assistance, please contact your local Communities Housing office.
Debt verification
Show moreTo be eligible for a Bond Assistance loan from Communities you will need to have a repayment arrangement in place for any outstanding debt.
The default repayment rate is set at $40 per fortnight where there is more than one bond assistance loan debt. Communities amalgamates a previous debt with a new bond loan.
There may be instances where Communities is unable to amalgamate outstanding debt, in which case you will be required to pay each of the debts separately. A repayment plan will be set up for you by Communities.
Outstanding debt/s where no payments have been made by the bond applicant, will only be considered provided the applicant arranges to repay all the bond debts (new and outstanding).
Application for further assistance where a customer has not maintained their repayment arrangements will be at the discretion of Communities.
When vacating a private rental property where Communities has provided bond assistance, the balance of the bond loan must be returned by the landlord/authorised agent to Communities. If previous advice has been received advising that the bond debt has been repaid in full, the balance of the bond loan can be paid directly to the tenant.
Where a Bond Assistance loan applicant has an outstanding tenancy debt from being a Communities tenant, the applicant will be entitled to participate in the Debt Discount Scheme for Communities tenancy rental debt only. For more information, see the loan scheme brochure on our Resources webpage.
Bond account payment
Show moreHow do I repay my bond loan?
There are five ways that you can pay your bond loan account:
1. Centrelink
If your income is from a Centrelink pension or benefit, your bond can be deducted and sent directly to us. To join the Centrelink Rent Deduction Scheme, download the Rent Deduction Form (see our Resources webpage), which also allows for bond deductions.
2. Post office
You can use your Housing Authority Payment Card to make payments at any post office.
3. Direct debit
You can arrange to make payments directly from your bank account.
Download the direct debit brochure on our Resources webpage. The brochure includes the Direct Debit Request form which you can print out, fill in and mail back to us.
4. Online bill payment - BPOINT
You can use your credit card to pay your bond. Go to the Online Bill Payments webpage.
5. Online bill payment - BPAY
A BPAY biller code and account number is printed on the back of your approval letter and other letters related to your account. Payments are made through your financial institution. See the BPAY website for more information.
Communities does not accept cash payments at any of our offices.
