Share-house life: bills, rules, notice and conflict

Splitting bills fairly

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.

House rules and cleaning

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.

Giving notice when you leave

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 NSW tenancy law and depend on your situation — check with NSW Fair Trading or the Tenants' Union 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.

Resolving conflicts

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.

When to bring in outside help

You don't have to handle everything alone, and asking for help never affects your visa.

• NSW Fair Trading — 13 32 20 — bond and tenancy questions, including working out what kind of agreement you actually have.
• Tenants' Union of NSW (tenants.org.au) — free advice, including factsheets for boarders and lodgers in share houses.
• TIS National — 131 450 — a free interpreter for any of these calls.
• If you ever feel unsafe at home, that's a police matter, not a housemate dispute — in an emergency call 000.