Upfront Rental Costs in Australia: What Tenants Really Pay Before Moving In

Alfred

— 2 min read

A BondPay Budgeting Guide

Moving house isn’t just about finding the right property — it’s also about preparing for the upfront costs you’ll face before you can pick up the keys.

From rental bonds to advance rent, utilities, and moving fees, these expenses can easily run into the thousands. This guide explains each cost in detail, offers budgeting tips, and shows how services like BondPay can help renters manage one of the biggest costs — the bond.

1. Rental Bond

The rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy. It’s typically four weeks’ rent and is lodged with your state or territory bond authority.

  • VIC – Lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
  • NSW – Lodged with NSW Fair Trading
  • Other states have similar authorities and rules.
Budget tip: If paying the bond upfront is challenging, you may be able to use a bond instalment service so you can move in sooner.

2. Rent in Advance

Most landlords request two weeks’ rent in advance before move-in.

  • This is separate from your bond.
  • It covers your first rent payment period.

3. Moving Costs

Professional removalists can cost:

  • $300–$600 for small moves
  • $800+ for larger moves or interstate relocations

Add packing materials, boxes, and potential storage fees if there’s a gap between leases.

4. Utility Connection Fees

Setting up electricity, gas, internet, and water can involve:

  • Connection fees ($50–$150 per service)
  • Modem/router purchase for internet ($50–$150)
  • Deposits for some utility accounts

5. Insurance

While not mandatory, contents insurance protects your belongings.

  • Premiums can start from $20–$40/month
  • Some policies also include tenant liability cover

6. Cleaning & Maintenance Before Move-In

If you’re ending a previous tenancy, you might need:

  • End-of-lease cleaning ($200–$500)
  • Carpet steam cleaning ($100–$200)
  • Repairs for damage or wear and tear

Failing to do this can risk losing part of your bond.

7. Budgeting for Your Move

Example: Renting a $550/week property in NSW

  • Bond (4 weeks): $2,200
  • Rent in advance (2 weeks): $1,100
  • Removalists: $450
  • Utilities: $250
  • Total upfront: $4,000

Managing the Biggest Cost: The Bond

While you can’t avoid most upfront rental costs, the bond is usually the single largest payment.
Using a bond payment plan lets you spread that cost over several weeks or months — freeing up money for other moving expenses.

Because the bond is still lodged with the state authority, you maintain all your legal protections as a tenant.

Understanding the full range of upfront rental costs helps you prepare for a smoother move. By breaking down each expense and using flexible payment options for your bond, you can avoid last-minute financial stress and move into your new home with confidence.

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