Adelaide

1. Types of Shared Housing in Adelaide

Shared housing in Adelaide typically falls into the following categories:

a. House Sharing

• A group of people share a house, with each person having their own bedroom and sharing common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
• Houses may have 3-5 bedrooms, and utilities are often split among tenants.

b. Apartment Sharing

• Similar to house sharing but in an apartment setting. Apartments are usually smaller, with fewer people sharing the space.
• Common in the city center or near universities.

c. Room Rentals in Family Homes

• Renting a room in a family home is another option. This arrangement often includes shared use of the kitchen and bathroom, and sometimes meals or utilities are included in the rent.
• This is a good option for those seeking a quieter, more homely environment.

d. Student Accommodation (Shared)

• Purpose-built student accommodations often offer shared apartments or dormitory-style living. These are typically located near universities and come with amenities like Wi-Fi, study areas, and communal spaces.

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2. Approximate Costs of Shared Housing

The cost of shared housing in Adelaide depends on the location, type of property, and amenities provided. Below are approximate weekly costs:

a. House or Apartment Sharing

• Inner City (e.g., Adelaide CBD, North Adelaide): AUD 180–250 per week per room.
• Suburbs (e.g., Norwood, Prospect, Glenelg): AUD 150–200 per week per room.
• Outer Suburbs (e.g., Salisbury, Elizabeth): AUD 120–180 per week per room.

b. Room Rentals in Family Homes

• AUD 150–250 per week, depending on whether meals or utilities are included.

c. Student Accommodation (Shared)

• AUD 200–350 per week, depending on the location and facilities.

Additional Costs

• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): AUD 20–40 per week per person (if not included in rent).
• Bond (security deposit): Typically 4 weeks’ rent, refundable at the end of the tenancy if no damage occurs.

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3. How to Find Shared Housing

There are several ways to find shared housing in Adelaide:

a. Online Platforms

• Flatmates.com.au: A popular platform for finding shared housing. You can search by location, budget, and preferences.
• Gumtree: A classifieds website where people post ads for shared housing.
• Facebook Groups: Look for groups like "Adelaide Housemates" or "Adelaide Rent/Share Accommodation."
• Real Estate Websites: Websites like Domain and Realestate.com.au sometimes list shared housing options.

b. University Noticeboards

• If you’re a student, check your university’s accommodation services or noticeboards for shared housing opportunities.

c. Word of Mouth

• Networking with friends, colleagues, or community groups can help you find shared housing.

d. Local Agencies

• Some real estate agencies specialize in shared housing or room rentals. They may charge a small fee for their services.

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4. Legal and Procedural Requirements

When entering a shared housing arrangement, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant:

a. Lease Agreement

• If you’re joining an existing lease, ensure your name is added to the lease agreement. This protects your rights as a tenant.
• If you’re subletting, ask for a written agreement with the primary tenant.

b. Bond (Security Deposit)

• The bond is usually lodged with Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia. Ensure you receive a receipt for your bond payment.

c. Rent Payments

• Rent is typically paid weekly or fortnightly. Always request a receipt or keep proof of payment.

d. Condition Report

• Before moving in, complete a condition report with the landlord or primary tenant to document the state of the property. This helps avoid disputes when you move out.

e. Notice Period

• If you decide to leave, you’ll need to provide written notice. The notice period is usually 2-4 weeks, depending on your agreement.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Adelaide has a friendly and multicultural community, but there are some cultural and local nuances to keep in mind when living in shared housing:

a. Respect for Privacy

• Australians value personal space and privacy. Always knock before entering someone’s room and respect shared spaces.

b. Cleaning and Chores

• Shared housing often involves a cleaning roster or informal agreement to keep common areas tidy. Discuss expectations with your housemates early on.

c. Noise Levels

• Adelaide is generally a quiet city, and excessive noise (especially late at night) can lead to complaints. Be mindful of your housemates and neighbors.

d. Food and Cooking

• In most shared housing arrangements, food is not shared unless agreed upon. Label your items in the fridge and pantry to avoid confusion.

e. Utilities Usage

• Be mindful of energy and water usage, as utilities are often split among housemates. Adelaide can experience hot summers, so air conditioning use may need to be discussed.

f. Cultural Sensitivity

• Adelaide is home to people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Be open-minded and respectful of different customs, dietary preferences, and lifestyles.

g. Public Transport Accessibility

• When choosing shared housing, consider its proximity to public transport. Adelaide’s public transport system includes buses, trains, and trams, but services can be less frequent in outer suburbs.

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6. Tips for Newcomers

• Inspect the Property: Always inspect the property in person or via video call before committing.
• Ask Questions: Clarify what’s included in the rent (e.g., utilities, internet) and house rules.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about the arrangement, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere.
• Emergency Contacts: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and services.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to find and settle into shared housing in Adelaide. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!