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Shared Accommodation Tips:
Many people who run into problems with their shared accomodation housing do so because they don’t understand the rules and processes or etiquette of shared accomodation renting.
If you follow some basics or guidelines listed below it gives you a better understanding of what is expected or comon place.
It’s particularly important to gather a little information before the start of your search for a new house mate - getting the research right in this initial stage is probably the most important way to ensure trouble free arrangements.
Some important information or research is find out what is an acceptable amount to pay for your particular area, some places charge more than others, in these circumstances found out what is included and what are some of the 'extras' that other places don't include.
For example: You will pay alittle more if the room is fully furnished (meaning the bed and linen and ward robes are supplied) with internet and the room has specific differences over other places, than you would if you moved into a place that offers the room unfurnished ( meaning you must supply the bed, bedding, ward robe etc).
See other examples and other information below.
Bond:
You may have to pay a bond before you move in. Before you move in you should discuss details about what the bond is for, how much it is and how it will be refunded to you.
Always make sure this get receipted to you from the landlord or the tenant your moving in with.
The entire amount should be refunded to you when you leave provided that:
you do not owe any rent or other bills (the owners may want to keep some of it to pay your expected share of bills they will receive after you leave such as the telephone or electricity or excess water charges), and
that you have not caused any damage or left the room or place dirty or untidy.
Household Bills:
You should discuss if your rent includes your share of the household bills (electricity, gas and water) or if must pay extra to cover your share.
To help with budgeting, you should ask approximately how much they would expect your share of these bills to be.
Telephone / Internet:
You should discuss arrangements for using the telephone and Internet.
Determine how the telephone / Internet bill will be divided particularly considering the high cost of mobile and international calls.
Find out if you are required to pay for a share of the connection fee, Internet provider costs and telephone line rental.
Make sure these arrangements are clearly understood by all parties involved and preferably confirm the arrangements in writing.
For hints and tips about managing phone costs if your going to phone internationally consider using a Calling / Phone card, it saves you a bundle and it's pre-paid so you always know what amounts you have used or what credit you have left.
If you don't like unexpected mobile phone bills, also consider a pre-paid option, there is no nasty bills, you know how much you've spent and you know how much credit you have left.
Receipts:
Whenever you pay any money for rent, bond or other bills you should ask for a receipt.
A receipt can be hand written or on a printed form.
It should show the date, the amount of money paid and the name of the person who paid it (your name), what you paid the money for (rent, bond, electricity etc.) and the period of time the payment covers (for rent or regular bills).
The person you give the money to must sign the receipt.
You should keep all your receipts as proof of payment to avoid any confusion about rental payments or household expenses.
Furniture and Fittings - List and Condition:
Before you move into a furnished room it is wise to inspect it carefully and make a checklist of the condition of the room and its contents.
Make a list of all the furniture and fittings including carpet, curtains, blinds and any furniture and add a comment about the condition of each piece.
Both you and the landlord should sign and date the list and keep a copy for your reference.
When you move out, check against this list to ensure you leave the room, furniture and fittings in as good condition as when you moved in.
The list is useful to help prevent disputes about the repayment of bond when you move out.
Notice to Move Out:
Before you move in its a good idea to confirm with your flatmates what will happen if one of you wants to leave.
If you do not have a written Residential Tenancy Agreement the following guide may be useful:
1) If you pay rent every seven days, then you should give at least seven days' notice to move out
2) If you pay your rent every fourteen days then you should give at least fourteen days' notice.
You would expect the same amounts of notice if they want you to leave.
Generally, give as much notice as possible.
3) ALWAYS give notice in writing and clearly state the date and day you will leave.
4) Make sure you remember to sign and date the letter. Keep a copy for your records. You may also want to provide details of your new address so mail or messages can be sent to you. Ensure you pay your rent up to the day you leave and any other bills you owe. Leave your room very clean, remove all your possessions and rubbish from the premises and return all the keys when you leave.
Full Board:
If you are renting on a basis where your meals are provided, ALWAYS let the landlord or host family know if you will not be home for any meals.
Household Chores:
Discuss with your flatmates or homestay family how they organise daily living and household chores.
It is important to find out what jobs you will be expected to undertake, and what jobs others will do to ensure that the household runs smoothly and harmoniously.
Disputes:
If your sharing accomodation, and the house mate and yourself seem to be continually disputing daily life or things in general in the house/unit/apartment over seemingly little things, rather than constantly living with stress then express your views and opinions, if it continues you may wish to consider moving to other accomodation.
A common problem with shared accomodation is the indifference with personalities with people living in the accomodation, rather than dreading coming home and putting up with arguments or controlling behaviour, move to a place where you can feel at ease and welcome.
Acceptable Behaviour:
No matter whether it is yourself offering the accomodation, or your moving in with someone who is offering the accomodation, there is a certain etiquette that goes with shared accomodation.
Always respect others privacy this is a must, as well as always respecting other peoples property, don't take things for granted in shared accomodation.
Ask if you wish to use a house mates goods or property.
Always make sure you know your boundaries, house mates always have a certain way of doing things or living, in order for each person not to infringe or over step their boundaries always ask what is acceptable and what is not, this ensures a peaceful and harmonious existence together.
What To do If Feeling Threatened Or Abused:
If your feeling in a vunerable or threatened position for example:
1) Your house mate is harassing you in a sexual way - MOVE because if your house mate is constantly harassing you in a sexual way without physically putting a hand on you, it probably will only be a matter of time before he/she does.
2) Your Housemate makes violent threats - Once again MOVE, you don't need to put up with this kind of behaviour.
Just because you may move in with someone, be it a stranger or friend, if you feel threatened or intimidate or harassed depending on the severity notify police and arrange to move to alternative accomodation.
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