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How to split bills fairly, set house rules that stick, give proper notice when you leave and resolve conflicts — plus when to bring in the RTBA or Tenants Victoria.
Before you move in — not after the first bill — agree on how electricity, gas, internet and water usage are split, and whether any of them are included in your rent. Get the answer in writing, even if it's just a chat message.
Equal splits are the norm, but it's fair to adjust — for the person with the big ensuite, or the one who runs air-conditioning all day. Keep it simple with a shared spreadsheet or bill-splitting app, pay by bank transfer so there's a record, and keep receipts. If one housemate collects money for bills, they should show the actual bill every time — never pay recurring 'bill' amounts for bills you've never seen.
The happiest share houses agree the boring stuff early: a cleaning roster for shared areas, quiet hours, dishes, guests and overnight visitors, and fridge and shelf space. A roster on the fridge sounds childish and works brilliantly.
When you view a room, ask what the current rules are. If the answer is 'we don't really have any', look at the kitchen — it will tell you the truth.
How much notice you must give depends on what kind of agreement you have. If you're a tenant on a formal lease, notice periods are set by VIC's residential tenancy law and depend on your situation — check with the RTBA or Tenants Victoria before you act. If you're a boarder or lodger in an informal arrangement, notice is whatever was agreed — commonly one to two weeks — which is exactly why you should agree it in writing before moving in.
Whenever you give notice, do it in writing (a message is fine), keep a copy, and photograph the room when you hand back the keys — that's what protects your bond.
Most share-house conflicts are about money, mess or noise — and most are solved by raising things early and specifically ('the bins on Tuesdays', not 'you never help'). Talk in person first; follow up in writing so there's a record. A short house meeting once a month prevents most blow-ups.
If a housemate or host pressures you for cash payments with no record, keeps changing agreed amounts, or threatens to keep your bond over a disagreement — treat that seriously, and put everything in writing from that point on.
You don't have to handle everything alone, and asking for help never affects your visa.
This guide is general information for VIC, not legal advice. Notice periods and rights depend on your specific agreement — check with the RTBA or Tenants Victoria before acting.
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