{
  "id": 3882013,
  "title": "ACT Greens call for bond transfer scheme to end stress for moving renters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/act-greens-call-for-bond-transfer-scheme-to-end-stress-for-moving",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T03:25:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-28/canberra-greens-calls-for-portable-rental-bond-scheme/107088618"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ACT Greens have proposed a portable bond scheme to alleviate financial stress on renters in Canberra. This system, already implemented in Victoria and parts of New South Wales, would enable tenants to transfer their previous bond to a new rental property, thus avoiding paying a new bond upfront. ACT Greens housing spokeswoman Rebecca Vassarotti stated her intention to introduce a motion to parliament, unless the government commits to the idea sooner. The proposal aims to address the financial strain renters face, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, as they often have to pay thousands of dollars for a new bond before their old one is returned. Rebecca Vassarotti emphasized the high cost of moving in Canberra, where rent is among the highest in Australia, and a recent report revealed that a significant portion of the community earns less than $75,000 annually. Vassarotti pledged to introduce the motion by the end of the year, urging the government to adopt the scheme to support renters in the ACT. The ACT government has been monitoring similar initiatives in other jurisdictions, including Victoria and New South Wales, which introduced optional bond transfer schemes this year. Victoria's scheme includes a $25 administration fee, which the NSW Tenants Union has criticized as an additional burden for lower-income earners. The NSW scheme allows renters to transfer bonds online, with any shortfall covered by the tenant or refunded by the government if a claim is made against the bond.",
  "summary": "The ACT Greens say the current system where som renters must pay for an extra bond before their old one is returned has made moving home unaffordable for many Canberrans.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}