Sharehouse living in Australia is common, especially for students and young professionals looking to save money. Finding the right place and housemates can be tricky, but with planning and communication, you can navigate the rental market and create a harmonious living environment. This guide covers everything from finding a sharehouse to resolving disputes, with a focus on the Australian context.
Finding Your Perfect Sharehouse
The first step is to find available sharehouses. Many websites cater specifically to this market. Popular platforms include Flatmates.com.au, Gumtree, and Facebook groups dedicated to share housing in specific cities or suburbs. These platforms allow you to filter by location, budget, and preferences (e.g., preferring no pets, gender, age range etc.). Consider your lifestyle and priorities when searching. Are you a night owl or an early riser? Do you prefer a quiet or social environment? Honesty about your habits will help you find a compatible household.
Setting Your Budget
Australia’s major cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, have some of the highest rental costs. Before you start your search, calculate how much you can realistically afford to spend on rent each month. Factor in not only the weekly rent but also utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet. Also, consider the cost of groceries, transportation, and entertainment. According to a report by SQM Research, the median weekly rent for houses in Sydney was around $790 as of late 2023. Melbourne’s median was slightly lower, around $580 per week. Sharehouse rentals can significantly reduce these costs, but you still need a clear budget. Many sharehouse listings will include ‘bills included’ in the price, specify if that includes all or some bills. If not, budget an extra $50-100 per week for utilities.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right location dramatically impacts your daily life. Prioritize locations convenient to your work, study, or social activities. Consider public transport options and commute times. Living close to a train station or bus stop can save you time and money in the long run. Walkscore is a great tool to measure how walkable an area is – handy if you don’t own a car. Also be aware of local amenities, such as supermarkets, cafes, and parks. Research the neighborhood’s safety and crime rates. Local council websites and online crime statistics databases can provide this information. Some areas may be lively at night, which can be a positive or a negative, dependent on your preference.
Inspecting the Property
Never rent a room sight unseen! Always inspect the property in person before committing. Pay attention to the overall cleanliness and condition of the house. Check for any signs of pests or maintenance issues. Ensure that your room is adequately sized and has enough storage space. Inspect the shared areas, such as the kitchen and bathroom, to see if they are well-maintained and clean. During the inspection, ask questions about the other housemates, the house rules, and the landlord’s expectations. This is also the time to clarify what is included in the rent (e.g., internet, electricity) and how bills are divided.
Meeting Your Potential Housemates
Compatibility with your housemates is crucial for a successful sharehouse experience. Treat the meeting as an informal interview. Ask them about their lifestyles, hobbies, and expectations for the house. Discuss cleaning responsibilities, noise levels, and social activities. Find out if they have any pets or frequent visitors. Pay attention to your gut feeling. Do you feel comfortable around these people? Can you see yourself living with them? Remember, a sharehouse is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a community.
Navigating the Rental Agreement and Legal Aspects
Understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant is imperative. In Australia, each state and territory has its own tenancy laws. Familiarize yourself with the relevant legislation in your jurisdiction. For example, in New South Wales, the relevant act is the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. You can access this information on the NSW Fair Trading website. In Victoria, it’s the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, and you can find details on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website. These websites offer comprehensive guides and resources for tenants and landlords.
Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement
Before signing any agreement, carefully read and understand all the terms and conditions. A tenancy agreement, also known as a lease, is a legally binding contract between you and the landlord or property manager. It outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, as well as the landlord’s obligations. Key elements of a tenancy agreement include: the rental amount and payment schedule, the length of the tenancy (fixed-term or periodic), bond requirements, rules regarding pets or smoking, and procedures for breaking the lease. If you are unclear about anything in the agreement, seek clarification from the landlord or property manager before signing. It may also be useful to ask a lawyer or tenant advocacy group to offer some advice. If you are moving into an existing sharehouse with existing tenants, you may be added to the lease or treated as a sub-tenant. Get clarity on which of the two it is.
The Bond and Security Deposits
In Australia, landlords typically require tenants to pay a bond as security against any damage to the property. The bond is usually equivalent to four weeks’ rent. The bond must be lodged with a government agency, such as the Rental Bond Board in NSW or the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority in Victoria. This ensures that the bond is protected and can only be claimed by the landlord under specific circumstances. When you move out, you are entitled to a full refund of your bond, provided that you have left the property in good condition and have paid all your rent. If the landlord wants to claim part of the bond, they must provide evidence of damage or unpaid rent. You have the right to dispute any bond claims that you disagree with.
Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Tenants have various rights and responsibilities under Australian tenancy laws. These laws are designed to protect both tenants and landlords. Your rights include the right to quiet enjoyment of the property, the right to a habitable living environment, and the right to be free from discrimination. Your responsibilities include paying rent on time, keeping the property clean and tidy, and respecting the rights of your housemates and neighbors. You are also responsible for reporting any maintenance issues to the landlord and for not causing any damage to the property. You can refer to your states Department of Consumer Affairs for comprehensive information on tenant rights and responsibilities. As a tenant, familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for giving notice to end the tenancy. Fixed-term leases usually require advance notice, typically 21-30 days, while periodic leases may require shorter notice periods. Ensure that you comply with these requirements to avoid any penalties. If you are asked to leave by the landlord, they also must follow legal procedure, offering “just cause” (e.g. non-payment of rent) and appropriate notice periods to the tenants.
Subletting and Adding New Tenants
If you are the primary tenant on the lease, you may be able to sublet your room to another person, but only with the landlord’s consent. The landlord has the right to refuse subletting, but they must have a reasonable reason for doing so. Adding new tenants to an existing sharehouse may also require the landlord’s approval. It’s essential to communicate with the landlord and obtain written consent before subletting or adding new tenants to the lease. If you proceed without the landlord’s consent, you may be in breach of your tenancy agreement, which could lead to eviction.
Sharehouse Etiquette and Communication
Good communication is paramount for a harmonious sharehouse environment. Open and honest conversations can prevent misunderstandings and resolve conflicts before they escalate. Establish clear house rules from the outset and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Establishing House Rules
House rules set the foundation for a respectful and organized living environment. Common topics to address include cleaning schedules, noise levels, guest policies, and use of shared resources. It’s helpful to create a written agreement outlining these rules and have all housemates sign it. This ensures that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and that there is a clear framework for addressing any issues that may arise. Schedule regular house meetings to discuss any concerns and to review the house rules as needed. Adjust the rules when needed, as people’s schedules or preferences change.
Cleaning and Chores
Cleaning is often a major source of conflict in share houses. To avoid disputes, create a detailed cleaning roster that assigns specific tasks to each housemate. Rotate tasks regularly to ensure that everyone shares the burden equally. Some sharehouses use apps or online tools to manage the cleaning schedule and track who is responsible for which chore. Be explicit regarding the quality of the cleaning – “wipe down surfaces” is better than “clean the kitchen”. It can also be helpful to establish clear expectations for cleanliness and hygiene. For instance, agree on how often the bathroom should be cleaned or how dishes should be handled. If someone consistently fails to fulfill their cleaning responsibilities, address the issue promptly in a respectful and constructive manner.
Managing Shared Resources
Shared resources, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry, should be used responsibly and considerately. Label food in the fridge to avoid confusion. Use shared appliances and equipment carefully and clean up after yourself. Be mindful of noise levels, especially during quiet hours. When using shared spaces, consider the needs and preferences of your housemates. For example don’t hog or block common spaces and access to shared spaces in the house for long periods of time.
Addressing Conflicts and Disputes
Conflicts are inevitable in any shared living situation. However, the way you handle conflicts can make a big difference. When a problem arises, address it promptly and directly with the person involved. Avoid gossiping or complaining behind their back. Choose a time and place where you can have a calm and private conversation. Listen to the other person’s perspective and try to understand their point of view. Express your own feelings and concerns respectfully, using “I” statements rather than accusatory language. Don’t let problems fester – proactively address them before frustration bubbles over. Avoid making assumptions and ask clarifying questions to confirm your understanding. Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for everyone.
Financial Management in a Sharehouse
Managing finances can be a complex task in a sharehouse, but clear communication and planning are key to avoiding disagreements. Establish a system for tracking and paying bills and consider using shared accounts or apps to simplify the process.
Dividing Bills and Expenses
Decide how you will divide bills and expenses fairly among the housemates. Common options include splitting bills evenly, allocating costs based on usage, or using a combination of both. For example, rent may be split evenly, while electricity or gas bills could be divided based on the number of occupants or the size of their rooms. To avoid confusion, create a spreadsheet or use a bill-splitting app to track expenses and calculate each person’s share. Popular bill-splitting apps include Splitwise and Beem It. Make sure all housemates have access to the bill-splitting system and understand how it works. Also have a strategy to cover the expenses if one moves out before another replacement arrives or when one doesn’t have the capacity to pay at the required time.
Setting Up a Shared Bank Account
A shared bank account can make managing bills and expenses easier. All housemates contribute funds to the account, and bills are paid directly from it. This eliminates the need for individual reimbursements and ensures that everyone is paying their fair share. Choose a bank with minimal fees and convenient online banking options. Ensure that all housemates have access to the account statements and can monitor the balances and transactions. Establish clear rules for managing the account, such as requiring multiple signatures for withdrawals or large transactions.
Creating a Budget and Tracking Expenses
Creating a collective budget can help you manage shared expenses more effectively. Discuss your financial goals as a household and identify areas where you can save money. Track your expenses regularly to identify spending patterns and areas where you may be overspending. Use budgeting apps or spreadsheets to monitor your income and expenses and to make informed decisions about your finances. Some houses even create a shared grocery list, pooling money for shared meals to save money and waste. This can be a good way to budget funds for the sharehouse.
Moving Out and Getting Your Bond Back
When it’s time to move out, follow the correct procedures to ensure a smooth transition and to get your bond back. Give your landlord sufficient notice, clean the property thoroughly, and document its condition before you leave.
Giving Notice to Vacate
Provide your landlord with the required notice period before vacating the property. The notice period is typically specified in the tenancy agreement and varies depending on your jurisdiction. Ensure that you give notice in writing and keep a copy for your records. If you are on a fixed-term lease, you may be required to pay a penalty for breaking the lease early. Discuss the possibility of finding a replacement tenant with the landlord to mitigate any financial consequences.
Cleaning and Property Condition
Before moving out, clean the property thoroughly and ensure that it is in the same condition as when you moved in, with reasonable wear and tear. Remove all your personal belongings and dispose of any rubbish. Repair any damage that you or your guests have caused. Take photos and videos of the property after cleaning to document its condition. This can be helpful if there are any disputes about the bond refund.
Bond Refund Process
After you vacate the property, complete the bond refund form and submit it to the relevant government agency. The landlord will also need to complete their section of the form and provide any supporting evidence for any bond claims. If there are no disputes, the bond will be refunded to you promptly. If there is a disagreement about the bond refund, you can lodge a dispute with the relevant government agency. They will investigate the matter and make a determination. It is advisable to attend mediation if possible, with all housemates present.
Sharehouse Showdown: Case Studies
Let’s look into a few real-world scenarios to better understand how these principles play out.
Case Study 1: The Cleaning Catastrophe
Four students shared a house near the University of Queensland. Initially, they had a verbal agreement on cleaning duties. However, one housemate, Sarah, consistently neglected her responsibilities, leading to frustration among the others. One week, the collective mess was so bad that, under the suggestion of the shared frustration of the others, one of the housemates anonymously wrote a note pointing out the need to do more around the house. This sparked an argument that resulted in housemate drama and tension. This led to an agreement of the implementation of a structured cleaning roster using an app, allocating specific tasks to each person, and holding weekly house meetings to discuss any issues. This resulted in a smoother sharehouse living experience, where there were clear expectations for chores.
Case Study 2: The Noise Complaint Crisis
A couple of young professionals shared an apartment in Melbourne’s CBD. One housemate, Mike, enjoyed playing loud music late at night, disturbing the other housemate, Emily, who needed to wake up early for work. It came to a head one night, when Emily started banging on Mike’s door due to the loud noise. Rather than escalate, Mike brought the tension down and the two had a conversation. Emily explained that she respected that Mike liked to unwind with music, but that she had to wake up early for work and the noise was preventing her from getting enough sleep. Mike apologised to Emily, claiming that he was so caught up in unwinding that he lost track of the loudness of the music. Mike agreed to have set playing times for the music, at reasonable levels, that kept both housemates happy. Open communication was a resolution, especially at the beginning of the potential noise complaint.
Case Study 3: The Bond Refund Battle
Three friends rented a house in Sydney. When they moved out, the landlord claimed that there was damage to the carpet caused by a spilled drink. The friends argued that the stain was minor and constituted reasonable wear and tear. The landlord insisted on deducting the cost of carpet cleaning from the bond. Although two of the housemates agreed, the third didn’t, escalating the dispute. The renters lodged a dispute with NSW Fair Trading. After an inspection of the property, a mediator was sent who helped the tenants come to the conclusion that the spill was indeed over wear and tear. The landlord was issued a notice for the stain damage to be covered and not to be deducted from the bond, and the former tenants were able to receive the full bond funds to move onto the next rental.
FAQ Section
What if a housemate consistently violates the house rules?
Address the issue directly with the housemate, referencing the agreed-upon house rules. If the behavior continues, schedule a house meeting to discuss the problem and find a solution. If the issue remains unresolved, consult your tenancy agreement or seek advice from a tenant advocacy group.
What if I need to break my lease early?
Review your tenancy agreement to understand the penalties for breaking the lease. Contact your landlord to discuss the situation and explore options, such as finding a replacement tenant. If you find a suitable replacement and the landlord agrees, you may be able to avoid or reduce the penalties.
What happens if a housemate moves out unexpectedly?
If a housemate moves out without giving proper notice, the remaining housemates may be responsible for covering their share of the rent. Discuss the situation with the landlord and explore options, such as finding a replacement tenant or negotiating a rent reduction. Read the fine print of the rental rules.
How can I ensure that the bond is refunded fairly?
Document the condition of the property when you move in and when you move out. Take photos and videos and complete a property condition report. Clean the property thoroughly before vacating and repair any damage that you have caused. Communicate with the landlord and address any bond claims promptly. If you disagree with any claims, lodge a dispute with the relevant government agency.
What are my rights if the landlord enters the property without my permission?
Landlords typically need to provide tenants with notice before entering the property, except in emergencies. Review your tenancy agreement and the relevant tenancy laws to understand your rights. If the landlord is violating your rights, send them a written warning and seek advice from a tenant advocacy group.
References
- NSW Fair Trading – Residential Tenancies Act 2010
- Consumer Affairs Victoria – Residential Tenancies Act 1997
- SQM Research – Weekly Rents
Ready to Find Your Perfect Sharehouse?
Finding the right sharehouse takes time and effort, but it’s worth it for a positive living experience. Start your search today, keeping these tips in mind. Communicate clearly with your potential housemates, understand your rights and responsibilities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. A well-managed sharehouse can save you money, provide companionship, and create lasting memories. Don’t hesitate to revisit this guide whenever questions come up. Good luck on your sharehouse adventure!
