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When renters move in and out of a rented property during a rental agreement (lease), this is called a renter transfer. A renter transfer means that at least one renter is moving into or leaving a property in a rental agreement. Read more about transfer renters on a rental agreement.
When the renters on a rental agreement change, the rental provider must also update the renters on the bond. This is done by completing a renter transfer using the RTBA website.
Rental providers are required to start a renter transfer transaction with the RTBA within 5 days of the transfer occurring.
This is important because when a rental agreement ends, only the people listed on the bond will complete the bond claim.
How to transfer the renters on a bond
There are 2 types of transfer: renter transfer, and removal of renter. Both types are started by the rental provider using the RTBA website.
Renter transfer
A renter transfer means there is at least one renter added (incoming) or removed (outgoing) from the bond with the consent of everyone on the bond.
When the rental provider starts a transfer, every renter on the bond and/or incoming to the bond receives an email notification with a link to review and accept the transaction.
All renters must review the transfer, even if they are not changing position. Renters can request a change if they think something is wrong.
Incoming renters must have their own unique email address and must authenticate their identity through Service Victoria.
If you cannot find your email notification, check your junk or spam folders, make sure your inbox is not full, and make sure your rental provider used the correct email address.
Renters must accept a transfer within 14 days. If this does not happen, the transfer will time out.
Removal of renter
In some circumstances, a renter can be removed from the bond without the consent of any renters on the bond. This option is available if at least one renter cannot or will not complete a renter transfer.
This option should be used when:
- A renter has died
- VCAT or another court has made an order directing the removal of at least one renter
Read more about what to do if your renter or rental provider is deceased.
Rental providers must attach supporting documentation giving evidence of their right to remove a renter from the bond.
The RTBA receives and reviews the transaction and supporting documentation. If the supporting documentation is satisfactory, the RTBA removes the renter and finalises the transaction. If not, the RTBA rejects the transaction, and the renter will remain on the bond.
The transaction will remain pending until the RTBA completes their review.
Documentation for a removal of renter transfer
Rental providers will provide different documentation based on the reason for the removal.
If a renter has died, the rental provider must provide acceptable proof of death, including but not limited to:
- A death certificate
- A probate certificate
- A statement from a doctor or hospital.
For all other reasons, the rental provider must provide a copy of a valid VCAT order which includes:
- The names of the renter(s) being removed, and
- Any other documentation which VCAT deems necessary on a case-by-case basis.
Managing a pending renter transfer
Renters
You can look up your transfer transaction summary on the RTBA website using the ‘Look up your bond’ function to know:
- If other renters have accepted the transfer, or
- The progress of a change request, or
- The status of the transfer.
You must accept the transfer before you can see this information. You cannot decline or request further changes once you have accepted the transfer.
Rental Providers
Rental providers can manage any transfers which are in progress through their registered RTBA account once signed in. Rental providers can:
- Accept or refuse a change request, or
- Update the transaction, or
- Cancel the transaction, or
- Resubmit the transaction if it timed out or was cancelled.
If a renter has requested a change, you must action it within 14 days or the transfer will time out.
Receipts
The RTBA will send a receipt to all parties listed on the bond when the transfer is complete. If any renters have been removed during the transfer, they will not receive a notification because they are no longer listed on the bond.
Do incoming renters have to pay a share of the bond?
The bond amount does not change during a renter transfer. Incoming renters are sometimes expected to pay a share of the bond to staying or outgoing renters, but this is not mandatory and is done by private agreement. The RTBA does not make partial repayments and does not manage any exchange of money as part of the transfer.
If you are an outgoing renter and incoming or staying renters have agreed to pay you a share of the bond, you should consider completing this exchange before accepting the renter transfer with the RTBA. This is because you no longer have any right to the bond once you have been removed.
Contact the RTBA
You can contact the RTBA on 1300 137 164 or through the RTBA enquiries form.