Share house living: a practical guide

How share houses work

Usually one or more people are on the lease with the landlord or agent, and others rent a room from them. Sometimes everyone is on the lease together, and sometimes the owner lives in the house and rents out spare rooms.

Who's on the lease matters: it affects who is responsible for the rent, the bond and any damage, and which tenancy rules apply.

Splitting rent and bills

• Rent: bigger rooms, private bathrooms and parking usually cost more than a small room.
• Bills: agree whether they're included in the rent or split evenly, and how they're paid.
• Shared supplies: cleaning products, toilet paper and basics are easier with a small kitty.
• Keep records: use a shared note or app so everyone can see what's been paid.

House rules that keep the peace

• Cleaning: a simple roster beats arguments.
• Guests and partners: how often, and whether overnight guests are fine.
• Quiet hours: especially if people work shifts or study.
• Food and fridge space: shared or separate.
• Raising problems: agree to talk early, in person, before things build up.

Moving out well

Give the notice you agreed, help find a replacement if that's the house arrangement, leave your room clean and get your share of the bond back in writing.

How MateHaus helps

• Free for everyone. Browse rooms, post a room-wanted profile and message anyone without paying or waiting.
• Checked listings. Every member verifies their mobile number by SMS code, and every new room listing is checked by the MateHaus team before it goes live.
• Lifestyle match. Both sides answer a few quick questions, and each room shows how well you'd likely live together.
• Inspections in the chat. Pick an open-for-inspection time or suggest one. Once you both accept, you each get a calendar invite.
• Match alerts. Save a search and get an email when a new room suits your budget.

Common questions

What is a share house?

A share house is a home where several people each rent a room and share common areas like the kitchen and living room. It's usually cheaper than renting a whole place on your own.

How are bills split in a share house?

Either bills are included in the room's rent, or housemates split them, usually evenly or by agreement. Agree the method in writing before moving in.

How do I find a share house?

Search room listings by suburb, message the people in the house and inspect before committing. On MateHaus listing, browsing and messaging are free and every member is verified.

Do I need to be on the lease?

Not always. Some people rent a room from a head tenant or from an owner who lives there. Check which arrangement applies, because it affects your rights and who holds the bond.