How to (Successfully) Navigate a Shared Rental Situation
Navigating Shared Rentals: A Guide to Happy Housemate Living
Sharing a home with housemates can be one of life’s great experiences… or one of its biggest challenges.
One minute you're bonding over late-night snacks, the next you're arguing over who left the dishes in the sink (again).
Whether you're joining a share house to cut costs, renting rooms out as a landlord or simply looking to improve your current living setup, getting shared living right starts with establishing positive relationships from the outset, and setting a few ground rules everyone can get behind.
Get the Ground Rules Sorted Early
Moving in is exciting - but before you unpack everything, it’s worth establishing clear house rules and working out how the house will run day-to-day.
While it might seem a bit formal, have a proper conversation about cleaning schedules, guest policies and how shared expenses will be managed.
That’s because setting expectations up front is what prevents most issues down the line.
Talk about how you’ll manage shared expenses, who’s taking care of what when it comes to cleaning and what the expectations are around visitors.
For example, will guests be welcome anytime, or do you want a heads-up if someone’s staying over?
And does everyone chip in for household basics like dishwashing liquid and toilet paper, or do you buy your own?
Even something as simple as agreeing to a weekly cleaning rotation (that everyone actually sticks to) can keep things running smoothly and prevent resentment from building.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Living with housemates means you’ll need to master the art of open, honest and respectful communication.
Little annoyances build up quickly if left unspoken, so don’t let them fester.
That’s why good communication is the basis of a successful share house situation.
A regular but casual check-in now and then - maybe over a weeknight dinner or a Sunday cuppa - gives everyone space to raise concerns without it becoming a big deal.
If something’s bothering you (say, music too loud on a work night, leaving lights on or the washing machine being left full), talk about it directly and kindly.
A good rule of thumb? Assume your housemates mean well and approach the conversation with a problem-solving mindset, not a lecture. Keep your tone constructive, not confrontational.
And remember, messaging apps can be handy, but nothing beats a face-to-face chat when sorting out more sensitive issues.
Shared Expenses Without the Awkwardness
Money matters can get awkward and cause serious tension if there’s no clear system.
But with a bit of upfront planning, there doesn’t have to be.
If you’re renting directly through a landlord or agency, make sure rent is split evenly and paid on time, ideally via automatic direct debit so no one’s chasing anyone for cash. That way, payments are trackable and consistent.
It's also worth deciding if one person will manage all utility accounts or if you’ll split the responsibility.
You could even use a shared expenses app to keep everything transparent.
As suggested in a recent realestate.com.au article, one approach is to agree upfront.
They suggest starting the conversation with something like: “We each deposit rent via direct debit to a bank account managed by our landlord/rental agency. How does that sound?”
Having this kind of agreement in writing, even just via a group message or email, helps avoid future confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.
Choosing the Right Housemate Matters
This one’s for both tenants and landlords - compatibility is key.
When choosing housemates, it’s good to remember that shared values are more important than shared interests.
What does this mean?
It means that similarities when it comes to things like cleanliness standards, socialising vs. quiet times and expectations around noise tend to make for more harmonious households than the hobbies, jobs or social circles you have in common.
So ask the right questions before anyone signs a lease.
For tenants, it’s also a good idea to meet prospective housemates beforehand, have an honest conversation and trust your instincts. If something feels ‘off’ it most likely won’t work out.
For landlords renting out individual rooms, a strong housemate match is not just about creating a pleasant household - it helps reduce turnover, protect the property and improve lease stability.
Know Your Legal Responsibilities
If you're entering into a co-tenancy in South Australia, each tenant listed on the agreement is jointly responsible for the rent and upkeep of the property.
That means if one housemate falls behind on rent, the others could be liable for covering it.
Alternatively, if you’re the 'head' tenant sub-letting to others, you'll need written permission from the landlord to do so, and a clear agreement with your sub-tenants.
That’s because, in SA, sub-letting without the landlord’s consent may breach the tenancy agreement.
It’s also your responsibility to ensure the rent gets paid in full and that the home stays in good condition, even if sub-tenants fail to meet their responsibilities.
Understanding where legal responsibility sits is essential in avoiding disputes later.
If in doubt, always check the lease and ask your property manager for clarification.
Bonus Tip: Meet Before You Move
It might sound small, but a pre-move-in coffee catch-up or casual house tour can set the tone for everything that follows before any keys change hands.
It’s your chance to get a feel for each other’s vibe and figure out if your daily rhythms align – are you an early riser vs. night owl, neat freak vs. laid-back cleaner - and chat through the practical stuff like sharing fridge space or music volume after 10 pm.
These early conversations are where respect and understanding start - and they can go a long way to avoiding tension later.
At its best, shared living is more than just a way to split the rent - it’s a supportive, enjoyable and affordable way of life.
With a little prep, clear expectations, respectful communication and a bit of planning, you can avoid the classic share house headaches and enjoy all the good parts of living with others.
And if you're a landlord looking to rent out a room or investor managing a share house setup, we can help with everything from tenant screening to lease agreements and ongoing management.
Got questions about house sharing, co-tenancy or setting up your rental for success? Get in touch with us now and we’ll help you connect the dots!
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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.