Share Accommodation

Share accommodation is a great idea if you want to live independently and like to meet new people.  Share accommodation occurs when you either move into a house that is occupied by other people or you agree to lease a property with other people.  Sharing a house with other people  is a cost effective way to live because you share the costs of living with other people.    

While share accommodation is a great alternative to living by yourself, it can be complicated. You need to know exactly what you are looking for with your accommodation arrangements. There are some key issues that you need to consider when you are thinking about share accommodation.  It is important that you:

1. Do not pay anyone any money until you inspect the property.
2. Make sure you are given a receipt for all money that is paid - the receipt should show date, amount paid and what the money is being paid for.
3. Make sure the living conditions are suitable for yourself and are what we would consider as acceptable living conditions in Australia.
4. Understand what you are paying for and what additional charges may be incurred like electricity, gas, water, telephone, internet.
5. Have everyone that you will live with sign an agreement which outlines the agreed terms and conditions of the living arrangements.
6. Read the information on the Tenants NSW website about share accommodation.  This covers legal and a range of other issues. There is also a very useful fact sheet for people considering share houses and we strongly recommend you read this before entering into any arrangements.
7. Search for shared accommodation.

1 - Do not pay anyone any money until you inspect the property and are organising to move in:

Some people may ask you to pay money before you look at the room or property.  This is not acceptable and you are not required to do this.  You are not required to pay any money until you are happy that this is the place that you will move into and you both agree to this.

2 - Make sure you are given a receipt for all money that is paid:

When you agree to the amount of rent that is to be paid you need to also agree to how you will be paying the rent.  When you pay any money you should receive a receipt showing the amount, the date and what the money is being paid for.  If you are signing a contract for your accommodation you are not required to pay for a bond on the premises if you are not appearing on a lease.  If you pay a bond on a private rental you are still entitled to have that money lodged with the Department of Fair Trading to ensure that it is kept in a safe place. 

3 - Make sure the living conditions are suitable for you and are considered acceptable:

It is not acceptable to pay rent to live on a mattress on the floor.  It is also not acceptable to pay for accommodation and sleep in bathroom, shed or laundry.  It is common practice that one bedroom can normally accommodate 1 to 2 people depending on the size.  You should be provided with your own personal  space and the ability to be able to live securely.  For the money that you pay to live in these conditions you could pay for your own room with better facilities.   If you find yourself in an awkward situation like this please contact the Housing Officer.  

4 - Understand what you are paying for:

When you pay your rent make sure that you understand what you are actually paying for.  You need to ask if these items are included:

• Meals
• Electricity
• Internet
• Telephone
• Gas
• Water

If they are not, you need to know what charges you will be liable for.  You are within your rights to ask for a previous bill to know what is to be expected.

5 - Sign an agreement:

It is important that you protect your rights as a consumer.  There is not a lot of protection for people that opt to take part in share accommodation so you need to take action to protect your own rights.  You should have a document signed by all occupants that outlines the following:

• How much the rent is and what other costs are involved.
• How much notice each person has to give to leave the shared agreement.
• Cleaning and who is responsible for what and how it will be done.
• Reporting of damage or problems.
• Rent payments and how they will be made.
• Paying for communal groceries e.g. dish washing liquid.
• Bill payments, how it will be done.

An example of a shared household agreement found  here.  

6 - Search for shared accommodation:

There are several places that you can look to find shared accommodation.

1. The Accommodation Services web site has a list of shared accommodation here.
2. Uniclassifieds lists shared accommodation here.
3. The Illawarra Mercury (local newspaper) on Friday and Saturday has a list of shared accommodation.

A comprehensive guide to share accommodation is provided by the Redfern Legal Centre is found online and here, it is definitely worth reading.  If you still have questions about shared accommodation or your accommodation arrangements please contact our Housing Officer.

7. - More information:

More information about share housing, including legal issues can be found on the Tenants NSW site. There is also a very useful fact sheet for people considering share houses and we strongly recommend you read this before entering into any arrangements.