Finding Shared Accommodation in Australia

Temporary shared accommodation in Australia can be a great way to save money and meet new people. Shared accommodation refers to renting a property with others, where you have your own private bedroom but share common areas such as the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Here are some tips and resources to help you find the perfect place:

Finding Shared Accommodation

If you’re in a larger city or unfamiliar with the local rental market, a real estate agent can also help you find shared accommodation. Some agents specialize in rentals and may assist you in finding houses that are available for shared occupancy.

Online Platforms

• Flatmates.com.au: Australia’s largest share accommodation website, where you can search for rooms and housemates.
• Realestate.com.au: Offers a wide range of share accommodation listings across Australia.
• Roommates.com.au: A free service for finding roommates, flatmates, and housemates.

Social Media

• Join Facebook groups dedicated to share accommodation in specific cities or regions.
• Follow local community pages where people often post about available rooms.

University Noticeboards

• If you’re a student, check your university’s noticeboards and online portals for accommodation listings.

Hostels

• Some hostels offer long-term stays and can be a good temporary solution while you search for more permanent accommodation.

Word of Mouth

• Ask friends, colleagues, or acquaintances if they know of any available rooms or share houses.

Local Newspapers

• Check the classifieds section of local newspapers for share accommodation listings. You can get these for free from train stations, local shopping centers or most grocery stores.

Things to consider when looking for Shared Accommodation

Once you find potential shared accommodation listings, it’s essential to visit the property before committing to anything. Here’s what to consider:

• Meet the Housemates: It’s crucial to meet the people you’ll be living with to ensure compatibility. Living with strangers can sometimes lead to conflicts, so having a conversation to get to know them beforehand is important.
• Inspect the Property: Ensure that the property meets your expectations in terms of cleanliness, safety, and maintenance. Check for essential amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
• Location and Transport: Evaluate the location to ensure it’s convenient for your daily commute, whether for work, school, or social activities. Look at public transport options if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Rental Agreements and Conditions

When you find a shared accommodation option that suits you, make sure to go over the terms carefully:

• Lease Agreement: In shared accommodation, the lease may be a formal or informal agreement. If it’s formal, the landlord or agent may have a lease that all housemates must sign. If it’s an informal arrangement, a verbal or written agreement between housemates may be in place. Always get agreements in writing, especially if you’re not dealing directly with a property manager.
• Room Rent: Ensure you agree on how much you’ll be paying for rent. Some shared accommodation is rent-per-room, while others may have a “per person” arrangement, especially in larger houses.
• Bills and Utilities: Clarify who is responsible for paying utilities like electricity, water, internet, and gas. Sometimes these are included in the rent, but often, they are divided among housemates.
• Bond and Deposits: Typically, a rental bond (usually equivalent to 4 weeks of rent) will be required, and it should be lodged with the state’s bond authority. Ensure the bond is returned at the end of the tenancy, based on the agreed-upon conditions.
• House Rules: Discuss any house rules, such as cleaning responsibilities, guest policies, noise levels, and shared space usage. Clear communication and setting boundaries early on can help prevent conflicts.

When searching for shared accommodation, be cautious of scams:

• Check the legitimacy: Verify the authenticity of listings, especially if they seem too good to be true (e.g., extremely low rent in a desirable location). Be cautious of people asking for payment or bond before you’ve seen the property.
• Use reputable websites: Stick to well-known platforms and avoid dealing with anyone who seems reluctant to provide details about the property or refuses to meet in person.