 |
| • Introduction |
| • Different types of housing |
| • Establishing a share house |
| • Problems being accepted for a tenancy |
| • Moving into an already established share house |
| If
you decide to move into an already established share house, it's a
good idea to ask friends if they know of any places as well as checking
the share accommodation section in the newspaper , ads on local notice
boards and websites. In most cases, phone numbers will be given in
share accommodation ads so you can phone to make initial enquiries
and check that the room hasn't already gone. On the phone, ask the
essential questions from your list of needs and wants. If you like
the sound of a place, you'll then need to go round to meet the flatmates
and check out the room. This can be a bit scary even if you're a super-confident
person! When looking at your room, take time to check that it is comfortable and has everything you need, for example, does it have power points, does it get any sunlight, is it noisy, dark, damp? Again, it's a good idea to draw up a list of needs and wants beforehand so you don't miss anything and take a friend who can ask the questions you might forget. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Inevitably there will be a moment where you and the flatmates sit down to discuss rent, kitty and other arrangements. At this point it really helps to have done a bit of preparation and worked out the questions you want to ask about the household and how it is run. These questions may sound very picky but it's the only way to decide whether you really are compatible with the rest of the household. And it's always better to find out the worst now rather than later. Often the people in the house will be just as uncomfortable with the interviewing process as you are, and will appreciate you going through these sorts of issues - after all, they want to choose the most compatible flatmate as well. You should also ask about the legal arrangements in the house. Is your name going to be on the lease? If not, who is on the lease? Who will you be paying bond (see the bond section) and rent to? Who deals with the landlord? Depending on the answers, you could be a co-tenant, a subtenant or a boarder or lodger and this will determine your legal rights and responsibilities in the house. Head tenants, co-tenants and subtenants are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, whilst boarders and lodgers are not and as a result have virtually no rights in relation to their housing. For full details about these different see What is My Legal Position?. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - • Does everyone buy their food together and if so, how much do they put into the kitty every week? • What foods do they like/not like? EG. Is it a vegetarian household? • What are the arrangements with phone, electricity and gas bills and bonds? • What do the other flatmates do? Are they students, unemployed, workers? • Do people smoke in the house? • Is there a cleaning roster? • Is it OK to have friends/partners over? • Do they do any drugs (and if so, which ones)? • What are their politics? • Do they like Basement Jaxx, Britney Spears, the Beatles or Beethoven? • Is anyone religious/anti-religion? • Do people mind loud music? • What are the neighbours like? • Is the landlord/real estate agent OK? • What are people’s viewpoints on sexuality?  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - After the interview, the people in the house/flat will usually tell you they'll be in touch: if they never ring back, it's a good indication that you weren't high on the compatibility rating. Just keep looking, you'll find something! Consider each offer carefully. If you accept, then you will need to make your moving plans and get your money organised. This is discussed in the next chapter. |
