A room inspection should cover the bedroom, the shared areas, the costs, and the household expectations. Before moving into a share house, ask about rent, bond, bills, internet, parking, cleaning, guests, lease terms, and house rules. These questions help you compare rooms properly and avoid surprises after you move in.
It is easy to focus on whether the room looks nice. That matters, but daily life in a share house depends just as much on the kitchen, bathroom, housemates, noise, storage, and how money is handled.
Check the Bedroom
Start with the room itself. Check the size, natural light, ventilation, power points, phone reception, heating, cooling, curtains, storage, and whether the door closes properly. If the room is furnished, confirm exactly what stays: bed, mattress, desk, chair, wardrobe, lamp, shelves, or bedside table.
Ask whether anything will be repaired or removed before you move in. If there are marks, damaged blinds, broken handles, or signs of damp, raise them before agreeing. Taking photos at move-in can also help avoid confusion later.
Inspect the Shared Areas
The shared spaces will shape your routine. Look at the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, living room, outdoor areas, fridge space, pantry space, bins, and storage. Ask how many people share each bathroom and whether there are peak times in the morning.
In the kitchen, check whether there is enough space for food and cooking. Ask whether cookware, plates, and appliances are shared or whether you should bring your own. A room can be good value only if the shared areas are practical.
Ask About the Total Cost
Confirm the weekly rent and every extra cost. Ask whether bills are included, and if not, how electricity, gas, water, internet, and household supplies are split. Ask how often bills arrive and what an average payment looks like.
Also ask about bond, rent in advance, key deposits, parking fees, and any shared subscriptions or cleaning costs. The cheapest weekly rent is not always the cheapest arrangement once bills and transport are included.
Understand the Lease or Agreement
Ask what type of arrangement you are entering. Are you joining a lease, subletting from a head tenant, renting from an owner-occupier, or taking a room under a separate agreement? The answer affects bond handling, notice periods, repairs, and who you contact if something goes wrong.
Get key details in writing. At minimum, you should know the rent, bond, move-in date, notice period, what is included, and who manages the property.
Ask About House Rules
House rules do not need to be strict, but they should be clear. Ask about cleaning, dishes, bins, noise, guests, parties, smoking, pets, shared food, quiet hours, and use of common areas. If you work from home or study, ask whether the home is quiet enough during the day.
Cleaning is worth discussing directly. Some homes use a roster, some use a paid cleaner, and others expect everyone to clean as they go. Make sure the standard suits you.
Meet the Housemates
If possible, meet everyone who lives in the home. Ask about work and study routines, how social the house is, and what they are looking for in a new flatmate. You do not need to become close friends, but you should feel comfortable sharing everyday spaces.
Pay attention to how clearly people answer questions. A household that can explain costs, rules, and routines before you move in is more likely to communicate well later.
Check Transport and Parking
Ask about the nearest train station, tram stop, bus route, cycle paths, and travel time to work or study. If you drive, ask whether parking is included, on-street, permit-based, secure, or limited.
A room that is slightly more expensive but close to transport can be better value than a cheaper room that adds long commutes or parking costs.
Questions to Take With You
- What is the total weekly cost including bills?
- How much bond is required and how is it handled?
- What furniture is included?
- How many people share the bathroom?
- How is cleaning organised?
- Are overnight guests allowed?
- Is parking available?
- What is the notice period?
- Who handles repairs?
- When can I move in?
A good inspection is not about interrogating people. It is about making sure the room, household, and costs match what you need. Clear questions at the start make shared living easier for everyone.