Share Accommodation

Share accommodation is where:  

• You jointly rent a private property with others (all the people who rent the property are called co-tenants and the property is usually unfurnished and rent is paid to the landlord/realestate agent ) or
• You move into an already established share household (you are called a sub-tenant and the property is usually furnished and rent is paid to the head-tenant).If you are moving into an established share house, you should ask to see a written consent from the land lord or the realestate agent for you to move into the property. 

In a share house, you have your own bedroom but share facilities and furnishings. To share successfully it is important to establish some house rules with those with whom you will be sharing. Having things in writing before you move in can avoid arguments and disputes later on. Also, you should always ask for a receipt whenever you hand over any money. Sharing a house or apartment with other students or local residents is a popular option for many students because it provides an opportunity for an independent lifestyle. However, it can also be challenging and unsettling for some people and is therefore not the best option for everyone.

• Check the BROWNS Facebook page
• Check share accommodation websites - you will be informed of these websites on your orientation day at BROWNS
• Local Newspapers
• Supermarket and Sports Club Notice boards - in the area where you would like to live

• Do you have a written agreement about how the household will operate?
• Do you want to live with male/female/both.
• Do you want to live with international students /Australian residents?
• Consider religious/cultural differences
• Consider smoking/alcohol
• How are the bills shared and how will the money be collected
• How should the bills be divided and paid
• Cooking arrangements shared/separate
• Other house duties (cleaning, shopping etc) - especially shared spaces
• Having friends visit/stay over.
• Sharing bathrooms
• Use of other's furniture and belongings
• Use of music or television
• What is an acceptable level of noise?

Important:

• Do they have the same likes and dislikes (e.g. food, hobbies)?
• Do you think you would be comfortable living with these people?
• Will the accommodation be a good environment for you to study?

• Go to the agent/landlord with the other tenants and make sure all of your names are on the lease
• If you are a sub-tenant or licensee, you should still have a signed written agreement with the landlord or the head tenant
• Keep a copy of the lease/agreement for yourself
• Make sure your bond is paid to the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority), check with your agent, landlord or head-tenant (see RTA website http://www.rta.qld.gov.au/)
• If you pay bond to the previous tenant, make sure the bond is transferred into your name so that you can get your money back when you leave.
• Make sure you get a receipt for all monies you pay for bond and rent.

Condition Report Before you move in, it is very important that you complete a condition report; this is a report that lists the condition of the property before you move in. Make a note of anything that is broken or dirty or you could be blamed for its condition at the end of your lease.

Buy cheap Furniture

• IKEA
• Target
• K Mart
• The Warehouse
• Retra Vision
• The Good Guys

Important Checklist:  

• Is your name on the lease contract?
• Do you have a copy of the lease contract?
• Has the bond been transferred into your name?
• Have you completed a condition report on the room?