Rent, Lease & Bonds
Am I signing a lease with anyone else?
No. Your lease is solely yours and covers your individual room. You are not signing a co-tenancy agreement with other residents in the house.
How is rent paid?
Rent is paid by direct funds transfer to the nominated account for your property. Payment options may include weekly, fortnightly or monthly arrangements depending on your agreement. Your rent payment frequency and due dates will be confirmed before you move in.
What happens if I cannot pay rent on time?
Rent must be paid by the due date outlined in your agreement. If rent is not paid on time, this may result in formal notices, breach action or further steps in accordance with your agreement and Victorian rental requirements.
Can I extend my lease?
In many cases, yes. Lease extensions may be available depending on the property, room availability and your tenancy history. Extensions are usually discussed before your current agreement ends.
Can I break my lease or leave early?
If you leave before the end of your agreement, break lease or re-letting fees may apply. These fees and notice requirements are outlined in your agreement and should be reviewed before you decide to vacate early.
Is there a bond?
Yes. Every room has a bond that is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority where required. A condition report is also issued before you move in so the condition of the room can be recorded.
House Rules & Cleanliness
What are house rules?
House rules are the shared living expectations that apply to all residents. They help keep the property respectful, clean and safe. They may cover noise, visitors, cleanliness, rubbish, shared areas and general resident behaviour.
What happens if I do not follow the house rules?
Not following house rules may result in warnings, breach notices or further action depending on the seriousness of the issue. Shared accommodation works best when every resident respects the property and the people living there.
Who is responsible for cleaning shared areas?
All residents are responsible for cleaning up after themselves and keeping shared areas usable. Where cleaning support is provided, it is an additional service and does not replace each resident’s responsibility to maintain day-to-day cleanliness.
Do you provide a cleaner or gardener?
Some properties may include cleaning or gardening support as a convenience. These services are not guaranteed and may vary between properties. Residents must still clean up after themselves and follow the house rules at all times.
Bins & Rubbish
Who takes out the bins and rubbish?
Residents are responsible for taking out rubbish and placing council bins out for collection. Each property may have a bin schedule or roster that residents are expected to follow.
How will I know when it is my turn to take out the bins?
Where a roster applies, residents will be advised of the schedule. It is your responsibility to follow the bin roster and ensure bins are placed out correctly on time.
What happens if bins are not taken out correctly?
If bins are not taken out, overfilled, contaminated or left incorrectly, council collection may be missed and extra costs or notices may apply. Residents are expected to follow all bin instructions and keep rubbish areas clean.
Repairs & Maintenance
How do I report a repair or maintenance issue?
Each property has a process for reporting repairs, usually through a repair request form or QR code. Repairs should be reported promptly with photos and a clear description of the issue.
Are pests and spiders my responsibility or management’s?
Residents are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent pests by keeping rooms and shared areas clean, storing food properly, removing rubbish and reporting issues early. Some pest issues may be the resident’s responsibility if caused by poor cleanliness or food storage.
Is replacing a lightbulb or battery a repair request?
In many cases, replacing standard lightbulbs or batteries is the resident’s responsibility. If the item cannot be safely accessed, is a specific fitting or relates to a hardwired safety item, you should raise a repair request.
Your Room & The House
Are the rooms furnished?
Yes. Rooms are generally furnished with key items such as a bed, TV or entertainment item, study desk and wardrobe or storage. Exact inclusions may vary between rooms and properties.
Is the house furnished?
Yes. Shared areas are generally furnished with practical household items. Residents are usually responsible for their own linen, washing powder, toiletries, toilet paper and personal items unless stated otherwise.
Who am I sharing with?
You will be sharing the home with other residents. This may include students, young professionals or other approved occupants. Shared living means residents must be respectful, considerate and comfortable living with people from different backgrounds.
Who cleans my room?
You are responsible for cleaning your own room and keeping it free from hazards, rubbish, pests and damage. Failure to keep your room reasonably clean may result in notices or further action.
Can I move the furniture in my room?
You may be able to rearrange furniture, provided it does not cause damage to the room, furniture, walls or flooring. Any damage caused may be claimed from your bond or charged to you.
Can I bring my own furniture or install hooks?
You must obtain written approval before bringing large furniture, removing existing furniture or installing fixtures such as hooks, shelves or wall mounts. Fixtures cannot be installed without approval.
Can I have a pet?
Pets are only allowed with the required approval. Because this is shared accommodation, pets may not be suitable for all properties and permission must be obtained before any pet is brought into the home.
Can my partner or significant other stay over?
Occasional overnight stays may be allowed depending on your agreement and house rules. Regular stays may not be permitted without approval and may affect your lease or rental amount.
Important Information
This information is general in nature and may vary between properties, agreements and rooming house arrangements. Residents must refer to their signed agreement, house rules, condition report and written communications from management for the specific requirements that apply to their room and property.
