housemate agreement template australia

Residential Co-Tenancy and Housemate Agreement

Instructions for Use

• Print two copies of this document: one for each party to sign and retain for their personal records.
• Complete all bracketed fields accurately, ensuring that financial obligations and house rules are discussed and agreed upon prior to signing.
• Keep this document in a secure location; while it is a binding private contract, it does not replace the formal Residential Tenancy Agreement held with the landlord or property manager.

1. Parties and Premises

This Agreement is made on [Date] between:

Party A (Head Tenant/Co-Tenant): [Full Legal Name] Party B (Co-Tenant/Housemate): [Full Legal Name]

The parties agree to reside at the following premises: Address: [Full Street Address, Suburb, State, Postcode]

2. Term and Rent

• This is a fixed-term agreement ending on [Date].
• This is an ongoing (periodic) agreement starting on [Date].

Rent Payments: The total weekly rent for the premises is $[]. Party A shall pay $[] per week. Party B shall pay $[] per week. Rent shall be paid into the following nominated bank account: [Bank Name] | BSB: [] | Account Number: [__________].

Bond: The total bond held by the Residential Tenancies Authority (or equivalent state body) is $[]. Party B has paid a contribution of $[] toward this bond.

3. Utility and Household Expenses

The parties agree to split the following utilities/costs as indicated:

• Electricity: [ ] 50/50 [ ] Other: [__________]
• Gas: [ ] 50/50 [ ] Other: [__________]
• Internet: [ ] 50/50 [ ] Other: [__________]
• Water: [ ] 50/50 [ ] Other: [__________]
• Household Consumables (cleaning supplies, etc.): [__________]

4. House Rules and Obligations

1. Quiet Enjoyment: Parties agree to respect each other's privacy and right to peace and quiet.
2. Cleaning: The parties agree to a shared cleaning roster. Failure to maintain shared areas in a hygienic state constitutes a breach of this agreement.
3. Guests: Overnight guests are permitted for a maximum of [__________] nights per week unless otherwise agreed in writing.
4. Smoking/Vaping: [ ] Permitted inside [ ] Strictly prohibited inside.
5. Pets: [ ] No pets allowed [ ] Pets allowed with prior written consent of all parties and the landlord.

5. Termination and Notice

If a party wishes to vacate the premises, they must provide [__________] weeks' written notice to the other party. The vacating party remains liable for their share of rent and utilities until the end of the notice period or until a replacement tenant is approved by the landlord and the remaining housemate.

6. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, the parties agree to discuss the matter in good faith. If the dispute remains unresolved, the parties may seek mediation through their state’s relevant civil and administrative tribunal (e.g., VCAT, NCAT, QCAT).

Signature and Acknowledgment

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this document.

Party A Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [__________]

Party B Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [__________]

Legal Disclaimer: This document is a general framework provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding tenancies and co-tenancy vary by state and territory in Australia. You should consult with a qualified legal professional or your local tenancy advocacy service to ensure this agreement complies with your specific jurisdiction and the terms of your head lease.