Moving into a share house: what to check and ask
An inspection is your chance to find out what living there is really like. Take this list with you, and ask everything: good housemates expect the questions.
Smoking
- Where exactly can you smoke, vape and use 420? Show me the spot.
- Does anyone in the house not smoke? How do they feel about it?
- What are the rules for guests, and late at night?
- Does the lease say anything about smoking? (Why it matters.)
- Is there a house agreement? (If not, make one together.)
The lease
- Will I be on the lease, taking someone's place on it, or subletting from someone? (What each one means.)
- Has the landlord agreed to me moving in? Can I see that in writing?
- When does the lease end, and what happens then?
- If I'm replacing someone: how will their bond share be handled? (How it works in each state.)
Money
- How much is rent, how is it paid, and to whom?
- How are bills split, and roughly what do they come to each month?
- How much is the bond, and will it be lodged with the state's bond authority? Will I get a receipt from them? (Bond authorities by state.)
- Never pay anything before you've seen the room in person and met the people. (Safety tips.)
The room and the house
- Is there a condition report? Take photos of the room on the day you move in.
- Any mould, damp, pests or broken locks?
- Heating and cooling: what is there, and who pays to run it?
- Internet, parking, laundry, and storage for your things.
The people
- What are everyone's work hours and routines?
- How often do partners or friends stay over?
- How is cleaning shared? Is there a roster?
- Any pets, or plans for pets?
After you move in
- Get your bond receipt from the bond authority (in the Northern Territory, the landlord holds it).
- Keep your own photos of the room and shared spaces.
- Save the landlord or agent's contact details.
- Agree the house smoking rules in writing, and put the sign up. (Make an agreement and sign.)
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General information, not legal advice. Your state's tenants' advice service can help with questions about your situation.