Renew or move when your Melbourne agreement ends?

1Set the current agreement end date

Ordinary end-of-term or periodic departures generally need at least 28 days' valid written notice.

For a normal fixed-term departure, the end date must be on or after expiry. Staying without an effective end usually creates a periodic agreement.

Leaving during the term may involve a written agreement, a specific legal ground or lease-break costs. Check the applicable path before booking the move.

Use the correct form and valid service method. Check consent to electronic service, allow delivery time and keep the notice and service record.

2Compare written terms over the same dates

Use terms you can actually agree to, then calculate the full period.

If terms differ, list rent owed beyond the comparison window separately. Professional cleaning depends on the legal conditions.

Compare travel, noise, housemate arrangements and repairs against your next study schedule.

3Could the existing bond move with you?

Eligible Victorian renters can apply for the Portable Rental Bond Scheme.

Both properties must be in Victoria, with the current bond held by the RTBA. Names and personal details must match and all renters must agree.

Claims, holds or pending transactions can affect eligibility. Exclusions include housemates moving separately, bond loans and some accommodation types.

Check eligibility in the RTBA Bond Summary. Sign the new agreement before applying and leave the new bond unpaid; retain a fallback funding plan.

4Start a portable bond application

Tell the new rental provider you intend to pay the RTBA directly before lodgement starts.

Review the RTBA request. If eligible, choose the transfer, accept the terms and pay the A$25 application fee.

Pay any increase in the new bond. The old property's handover and valid claims still apply and may create a repayment obligation to the Victorian Government.

Changing one housemate at the same property uses a renter transfer. Moving a bond to another property is a separate process.

5If you request a refund instead

Keep the refund timeline separate from new agreement payment dates.

Once all parties accept, the RTBA usually refunds within one business day. A renter-initiated claim has a separate 14-day objection period.

A dispute or missing details can affect timing. Meet the new payment agreement and track the old refund through its own process.

If you change your mind about leaving, promptly seek written agreement to withdraw the notice. Use the moving-out guide for the full handover steps.