We have a new and improved course search tool to help international students explore Australian study options. Find more information here

How to protect your rights in a share house

Living in a ‘share house’ with friends can be a fun experience, but you still need to protect your rights as a tenant.

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

24 July 2023

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

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:    

Three female students standing together smiling in the afternoon sun.

Một lựa chọn chỗ ở phổ biến cho sinh viên tại Australia là ở thuê nhà chung hoặc căn hộ với những người khác. Thuê nhà chung tuy có thể giảm chi phí sinh hoạt và là cách tuyệt vời để gặp gỡ người mới, nhưng việc ý thức rõ về các quyền của mình với tư cách người thuê nhà vẫn là điều quan trọng.  

Trong bài đăng blog này, chúng tôi sẽ giải thích về nhà thuê chung và cách giúp bạn đảm bảo mình được luật thuê nhà của Australia bảo vệ.  

Nhà thuê chung là gì? 

Nhà thuê chung còn được gọi là “căn hộ ở ghép” hoặc “nhà ở ghép”, là khi hai hoặc nhiều người cùng thuê một căn nhà hoặc căn hộ. Thông thường, mỗi người sẽ có một phòng ngủ riêng, còn các khu vực như nhà bếp, phòng khách và phòng tắm là không gian chung.  

Số người ở ghép nhà sẽ phụ thuộc vào quy mô của nhà đất và những điều đã được thỏa thuận với chủ nhà (chủ sở hữu nhà đất).  

Bạn và bạn cùng nhà (những người bạn sống cùng) sẽ chia sẻ chi phí và trách nhiệm trong nhà.  

Bài đăng này sẽ cung cấp một số lời khuyên về việc tìm nhà chung.  

Vào ở nhà thuê chung

Thuê chung  

Thuê chung là khi bạn và hai người trở lên ký thuê chung nhà trực tiếp với chủ nhà hoặc đại lý môi giới. Tức là bạn và bạn cùng nhà sẽ chia sẻ trách nhiệm đối với việc thuê nhà. 

Hãy đảm bảo rằng bạn hiểu rõ các quyền của mình trước khi ký bất kỳ hợp đồng thuê nhà nào.  

Cho thuê lại  

Khi bạn vào ở chung nhà có sẵn, một trong những người thuê nhà hiện tại có thể thu xếp việc này. Đây được gọi là “cho thuê lại”. Việc này hoàn toàn hợp pháp tại Australia với điều kiện có sự cho phép từ chủ nhà. Nếu không có sự cho phép đó, hợp đồng thuê lại sẽ không hợp lệ và bạn sẽ không được bảo vệ bởi luật thuê nhà.  

Những điều cần lưu ý:  

  • Chủ nhà hoặc đại lý môi giới không được tính phí thỏa thuận cho thuê lại. 
  • Thỏa thuận giữa người thuê chính và người thuê lại cần được lập thành văn bản để được luật pháp Australia bảo vệ. Bạn có thể tải xuống các hợp đồng cho thuê lại trên trang web của cơ quan quản lý quyền thuê nhà của bang hoặc lãnh thổ nơi bạn sống.  
  • Người thuê chính có trách nhiệm tương tự như chủ nhà. Tức là họ cần giao cho bạn hợp đồng,  báo cáo tình trạng nhà đất khi mới chuyển vào và đảm bảo nộp tiền đặt cọc cho cơ quan quản lý thích hợp.  
  • Chủ nhà không được từ chối tư cách người thuê lại của bạn mà không có lý do thích đáng (chẳng hạn như nhà đã có quá nhiều người thuê).  

Tiền đặt cọc (tiền ủy thác)  

Nếu chủ nhà cho phép thuê lại và người thuê chính nhận tiền đặt cọc từ bạn, người thuê chính có trách nhiệm nộp tiền đặt cọc cho cơ quan chính quyền có liên quan và giao lại cho bạn giấy biên nhận. Tuy nhiên, thông thường, bạn có thể tự nộp tiền đặt cọc bằng hình thức trực tuyến.  

Hãy chắc rằng người thuê chính không tự giữ tiền của bạn. Vì như vậy thì bạn sẽ không được pháp luật bảo vệ khi rời khỏi nhà nếu họ từ chối trả lại tiền.  

Hiểu quyền và trách nhiệm của bạn 

Dưới đây là một số điều cần lưu ý khi tìm nhà chung:  

  • Luôn trực tiếp đến xem nhà vì ảnh chụp không phải lúc nào cũng chính xác.  
  • Không chuyển tiền trước khi ký hợp đồng thuê hoặc xem nhà đất.  

Đọc kỹ hợp đồng thuê nhà và đảm bảo rằng hợp đồng bao gồm tất cả nội dung cần thiết như:  

  • Bạn sẽ trả bao nhiêu tiền thuê nhà và trả vào tài khoản nào.
  • Thời hạn hợp đồng thuê nhà.
  • Cách thanh toán hóa đơn tiện ích.
  • Người chịu trách nhiệm bảo trì nhà ở. 
  • Phải làm gì nếu muốn rời đi trước thời hạn hợp đồng. Ví dụ: bạn cần thông báo trước bao lâu và bạn có cần tiếp tục trả tiền thuê nhà cho đến khi họ tìm thấy người thuê nhà mới hay không.
  • Điều gì sẽ xảy ra nếu người thuê chính muốn bạn chuyển đi.  

Tìm hiểu thêm về quyền của bạn với tư cách người thuê nhà.  

Lưu hồ sơ 

Giữ lại bản ghi của tất cả nội dung trao đổi liên quan đến nhà ở, bao gồm:  

  • email  
  • tin nhắn văn bản 
  • thỏa thuận với chủ nhà hoặc bạn cùng nhà.  

Những hồ sơ này có thể sẽ phát huy tác dụng nếu phát sinh bất đồng trong tương lai. Bạn cũng nên chụp ảnh khi chuyển vào để có bằng chứng trong trường hợp có bất đồng về tiền ủy thác. 

Rời khỏi nhà thuê chung 

Hợp đồng cho thuê kết thúc chỉ khi toàn bộ người thuê rời khỏi nhà đất và trả lại chìa khóa. Nếu bạn chuyển ra khỏi nhà thuê chung trước khi kết thúc hợp đồng, hãy kiểm tra xem khi nào bạn cần thông báo và liệu bạn có cần tìm người thuê nhà mới hay không

Nếu người thuê chính muốn bạn rời khỏi nhà, họ cũng phải thông báo trước theo nội dung thỏa thuận trong hợp đồng.  

Hãy chắc chắn rằng bạn đã rút tên khỏi hợp đồng để không phải chịu trách nhiệm về căn nhà nữa. Thủ tục rời khỏi nhà chung sẽ hơi khác nhau tùy thuộc vào bang hoặc lãnh thổ nơi bạn sống. Nhưng khả năng cao là bạn sẽ cần điền vào biểu mẫu có thể tải xuống từ cơ quan quản lý quyền thuê nhà của bang hoặc lãnh thổ nơi bạn sống (được liệt kê bên dưới).  

Hỗ trợ về vấn đề thuê nhà 

Nếu bạn thấy quyền với tư cách người thuê nhà của mình đang bị xâm phạm, đừng ngần ngại tìm kiếm sự giúp đỡ. Liên hệ với cơ quan quản lý quyền thuê nhà tại bang hoặc lãnh thổ nơi bạn sống:    

Nội dung chân trang