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A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
A popular accommodation option for students in Australia is sharing a house or apartment with others. This can reduce your living costs and it’s a great way to meet new people, but it's still important to be aware of your rights as a tenant.
In this blog post, we'll explain exactly what a share house is and how to make sure you are protected by Australian tenancy laws.
What is a share house?
A share house, also known as a ‘flat share’ or a ‘house share’, is when two or more people rent a house or apartment together. Typically, each person will have their own private bedroom while sharing common areas such as the kitchen, living room and bathroom.
The number of people sharing a house will depend on the size of the property and what has been agreed with your landlord (the property owner).
You and your house mates (the people you live with) will divide the costs and responsibilities of the home.
Get some tips on finding a share house here.
Joining a share house
Co-renting
Co-renting is when you and two or more people sign a lease either directly with the landlord or with an agent. This means that responsibility for the tenancy is shared by you and your house mates.
Make sure you know your rights before signing any lease agreement.
Sub-letting
When you join an existing share house, one of the existing tenants can arrange this. This is called “sub-letting”. This is legal in Australia, but only if the landlord has given their permission. Without that permission, the sub-lease is not valid, and you aren’t protected by tenancy laws.
Things to be aware of:
- A landlord or agent can’t charge a fee for agreeing to a sub-lease.
- The agreement between the head-tenant and sub-tenant needs be in writing so that you are protected by Australian laws. You can download sub-letting agreements on the website of your state or territory tenancy authority.
- The head-tenant has the same responsibilities as a landlord. This means that they need to give you the agreement, an entry condition report and ensure that your bond is lodged with the correct authority.
- The landlord can’t reject you as a sub-letter without a reasonable reason (such as there being too many tenants in the home).
The bond (security deposit)
If the landlord gives permission for the sub-let and the head-tenant takes a bond from you, it’s the head-tenant’s responsibility to lodge it with the relevant state body and provide you with a receipt. However, most of the time you can lodge it yourself online.
Make sure that the head-tenant doesn’t hold your money themselves. You will have no legal protection when you leave the home if they refuse to refund it to you.
Understand your rights and responsibilities
Here are some things to be aware of when looking for a share house:
- Always visit the house in person as photos are not always accurate.
- Do not transfer money before signing a lease or viewing the property.
Read the lease agreement carefully and make sure that it includes all necessary details such as:
- How much rent you’ll be paying and into which account you will pay.
- The duration of the lease.
- How the utility bills are paid.
- Who is in charge of home maintenance.
- What to do if you want to leave the home before the end of the agreement. For example, how much notice you need to give and whether you need to keep paying the rent until a new tenant is found.
- What happens if the head-tenant wants you to move out.
Find out more about your rights as a tenant.
Document everything
Keep a record of all communications regarding the home, including:
- emails
- text messages
- agreements with your landlord or house mates.
These records can be very helpful if there are any disagreements in the future. It’s also a good idea to take pictures when you move in to have evidence in case of any disagreements over the security deposit.
Leaving a share house
A lease doesn’t end until all tenants leave the property and return the keys. If you move out of a share house before the end of the agreement, check it to see how much notice you need to give and whether you need to find a new tenant.
If the head-tenant wants you to leave the home, then they must also give you the amount of notice that is written in the agreement.
Make sure that you take your name off the agreement so that you’re not responsible for the home anymore. The procedures for leaving a share house are slightly different depending on what state or territory you are in. But you will most likely need to fill out a form which you’ll be able to download from your state or territory rental rights body (listed below).
Tenancy support
If you find yourself in a situation where your rights as a tenant are being violated, don't hesitate to get help. Contact the rental rights body in your state or territory:
- New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading and Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- ACT: Access Canberra
- Western Australia: WA Department of Commerce and Tenancy WA
- Northern Territory: Tenants’ Advice Service and Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania and Consumer Affairs
Una opción de alojamiento popular entre los estudiantes de Australia es compartir una casa o un apartamento con otras personas. Esto puede reducir los costos de vida y es una excelente manera de conocer gente nueva, pero igual es importante que conozcas tus derechos como inquilino.
En este blog, te explicaremos exactamente qué es una casa compartida y cómo asegurarte de que estás protegido por las leyes australianas sobre alquiler.
¿Qué es una casa compartida?
Una casa compartida, que también se conoce en inglés como “flat share” o “house share”, es cuando dos o más personas alquilan juntas una casa o un apartamento. Por lo general, cada persona tendrá su propio dormitorio privado y compartirá las áreas comunes, como la cocina, la sala de estar y el baño.
La cantidad de personas que comparten una casa dependerá del tamaño de la propiedad y de lo que se haya acordado con el arrendador (el propietario).
Tú y tus compañeros de vivienda (las personas con las que convives) dividirán los costos y las responsabilidades de la casa.
Obtén algunos consejos sobre cómo encontrar una casa compartida aquí.
Cómo unirse a una casa compartida
Alquiler compartido
Hablamos de alquiler compartido cuando tú y dos o más personas firman un contrato de alquiler ya sea directamente con el arrendador o con un agente. Esto significa que tú y tu compañeros de vivienda comparten la responsabilidad del alquiler.
Asegúrate de conocer tus derechos antes de firmar cualquier contrato de alquiler.
Subalquiler
Cuando te unes a una casa compartida ya existente, uno de los inquilinos existentes puede encargarse de esto. Se denomina “subalquiler”. Es legal en Australia, pero solo si el arrendador ha dado su permiso. Sin ese permiso, el subalquiler no es válido y no tendrás la protección de las leyes de alquiler.
Cosas que debes tener en cuenta:
- Ni el arrendador ni el agente pueden cobrar un cargo por aceptar un subalquiler.
- El contrato entre el inquilino principal y el subinquilino debe formalizarse por escrito, de modo que cuentes con la protección de las leyes australianas. Puedes descargar contratos de subalquiler en el sitio web de la autoridad en materia de alquileres de tu estado o territorio.
- El inquilino principal tiene las mismas responsabilidades que un casero. Esto significa que debe darte el contrato, un informe sobre el estado de la vivienda en el momento de tu mudanza y garantizarte que tu depósito en garantía se haya presentado ante la autoridad correcta.
- El arrendador no puede rechazarte como subinquilino sin un motivo razonable (por ejemplo, si hay demasiados inquilinos en la casa).
El depósito en garantía (depósito de garantía)
Si el arrendador autoriza el subalquiler y el inquilino principal recibe tu depósito en garantía, es responsabilidad del inquilino principal presentarlo ante el organismo pertinente del estado y entregarte un recibo. Sin embargo, en la mayoría de los casos puedes encargarte tú de depositarlo en línea.
Asegúrate de que no sea el mismo inquilino principal quien retenga tu dinero. No tendrás protección legal cuando abandones la casa si se niega a reembolsártelo.
Comprende tus derechos y responsabilidades
Estos son algunos aspectos que debes tener en cuenta al buscar una casa compartida:
- Visita siempre la casa en persona, ya que las fotos no siempre son precisas.
- No transfieras dinero antes de firmar un contrato de alquiler o de ver la propiedad.
Lee detenidamente el contrato de alquiler y asegúrate de que incluya todos los detalles necesarios, como:
- Cuánto alquiler pagarás y a qué cuenta lo pagarás.
- La duración del alquiler.
- Cómo se pagan las facturas de los servicios públicos.
- Quién está a cargo del mantenimiento de la vivienda.
- Qué hacer si quieres marcharte de la casa antes de que finalice el contrato. Por ejemplo, con qué anticipación debes notificarlo y si debes seguir pagando el alquiler hasta que encuentren un nuevo inquilino.
- ¿Qué sucede si el inquilino principal desea que te mudes a otro lugar?
Obtén más información sobre tus derechos como inquilino.
Documenta todo
Mantén un registro de todas las comunicaciones relacionadas con la vivienda, incluido lo siguiente:
- correos electrónicos,
- mensajes de texto,
- contratos con tu arrendador o compañeros de vivienda.
Estos registros pueden ser muy útiles si más adelante hay desacuerdos. También te conviene tomar fotografías cuando te mudes para tener pruebas en caso de desacuerdos sobre el depósito de garantía.
Cómo marcharte de una casa compartida
El contrato de alquiler no finaliza hasta que todos los inquilinos abandonan la propiedad y devuelven las llaves. Si te marchas de una casa compartida antes de que finalice el contrato, comprueba con cuánta anticipación tienes que avisar y si tienes que buscar un nuevo inquilino.
Si el inquilino principal desea que abandones la casa, entonces también debe notificártelo con la anticipación que se estipula en el contrato.
Asegúrate de quitar tu nombre del contrato para que ya no seas responsable de la vivienda. Los procedimientos para marcharse de una casa compartida difieren ligeramente según el estado o territorio en el que te encuentres. Pero lo más probable es que debas completar un formulario que podrás descargar del organismo de defensa de los derechos de alquiler de tu estado o territorio (que se indica a continuación).
Apoyo para el alquiler
Si te encuentras en una situación en la que se están vulnerando tus derechos como inquilino, no dudes en pedir ayuda. Comunícate con el organismo de defensa de los derechos de alquiler de tu estado o territorio:
- Nueva Gales del Sur: NSW Fair Trading y Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services NSW
- Queensland: Tenants Queensland y Residential Tenancies Authority
- Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria
- Territorio de la Capital Australiana: Access Canberra
- Australia Occidental: WA Department of Commerce y Tenancy WA
- Territorio del Norte: Tenants’ Advice Service y Consumer Affairs Northern Territory
- Australia del Sur: Consumer and Business Services (CBS) y Tenants Information and Advisory Service
- Tasmania: The Tenants‘ Union of Tasmania y Consumer Affairs
