Sharing a house is a natural alternative to living with your parents. Apart from giving you more space and freedom - once you've paid the bond and bought the things you need - it might also be more affordable than you imagined. Where you choose to live can also affect what you end up paying.
The key is to sort out money issues with your housemates early on and agree on how bills will be split. That will make life a lot easier, because it will leave less room for doubt or misunderstanding.
For example, the phone bill can be a bone of contention. Suggest itemised phone bills, or that the phone should only be used for incoming calls. Or consider using pre-paid phone cards to make calls.
Chores are also things to sort out sooner rather than later. As a group, agree on a list of chores that need doing and keep it somewhere handy. Everyone needs to do their fair share. But rather than over-committing yourself, say what you'll do (don't over promise) and do more! That ought to keep most housemates happy.
You could always live on your own, but that would be more expensive and not half as much fun.
Your rights
Once you sign a tenancy agreement (or lease) between you and the landlord it's legally binding. So read it carefully and make sure that you understand and agree with all of its terms first. Generally, you should be entitled to privacy while you're renting the property (so no annoying unexpected visits from the landlord) and you should expect to have the place properly maintained and any faults promptly repaired.
Your obligations
In turn, you will be expected to pay your rent on time, look after the place and cough up for any damage done to the property during the time of the lease. So take care when hosting big parties!
Get both sides of the picture by clicking here to links for renters.
Note: Rights may vary in each state and territory.
You'll usually be asked to hand over a rental bond as a form of security for the landlord. This is generally the equivalent of up to 4 weeks' rent. The bond is lodged with the Department of Fair Trading Rental Bond Board depending on which state or territory you live in. Once you go to leave, you'll get this back as long as you've paid your rent on time, looked after the property and there's no damage that wasn't there before.
Stuck with a lazy landlord?
If your landlord is reluctant to fix the leaky roof, here's what you need to do.
Just 14 days' rent arrears is enough grounds for your landlord to give you 14 days' notice to leave.