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RENTER GUIDE

Renting with housemates

Housemates may share a home without sharing identical legal responsibilities. Confirm who is on the agreement and how changes will be handled.

By RentSeekr editorial teamPublished Reviewed

Key points

Start with the decision in front of you

Housemates may share a home without sharing identical legal responsibilities. Confirm who is on the agreement and how changes will be handled.

  • Identify tenants, occupants and any head-tenant arrangement.
  • Understand joint or individual liability.
  • Agree a transparent cost and household process.

Prepare before the deadline

  • Identify tenants, occupants and any head-tenant arrangement.
  • Understand joint or individual liability.
  • Agree a transparent cost and household process.

Use a clear process

  • Record contributions and due dates.
  • Use the official process for tenant or bond changes.
  • Raise household and property issues early.

Keep the useful records

  • Agreement and bond contributions
  • Bills and shared-cost calculations
  • Consent for changes and key handovers

Watch for these problems

  • Paying a departing tenant informally where an authority process applies
  • Assuming a private house rule overrides the lease
  • Leaving one person solely responsible for all records

Related renter resources

Renting a roomContinue with the RentSeekr renting a room guide.Read the guide Managing a tenancyContinue with the RentSeekr managing a tenancy guide.Read the guide Moving outContinue with the RentSeekr moving out guide.Read the guide

Sources and further information

Official guidance changes. Check the source for the current rule in your jurisdiction.

Related RentSeekr guides

Renting a roomContinue with the RentSeekr renting a room guide.Read the guide Managing a tenancyContinue with the RentSeekr managing a tenancy guide.Read the guide Moving outContinue with the RentSeekr moving out guide.Read the guide