When there's more than one person sharing the same space, conflict is bound to happen. It's normal to get annoyed when your housemates don't always respect the rules and your boundaries.

Hopefully you'll be able to sort these small problems out without too much trouble. For larger problems, like disputes over unpaid rent and bills, here are some further options.

Mediation and dispute settlement

Most household conflict can be avoided through mutual respect, tolerance and clear communication. Sometimes things can escalate, though, and can't be sorted out easily. When this happens you might need professional advice from a dispute settlement or mediation service like the free Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.

For mediation to work properly, both parties have to agree to mediation, but choosing to get help from an independent mediator could really help you resolve difficult problems.

Money problems

If a housemate refuses to pay a bill or the rent (or their share of it) and the bill or lease is in your name, unfortunately you have limited options. The Residential Tenancies Act doesn't cover share houses - mediation may be the best approach (see above).

Taking a housemate to court to make them pay what they owe is a possibility, but court can be very expensive. If you want to pursue this line, though, your local community legal centre can advise you on how best to go about it.

Problems with rental providers

There are rules about what rental providers (sometimes known as landlords) and real estate agents are and aren't allowed to do. For example:

  • They have to give you notice before visiting.
  • They have to keep the property in 'good repair.'
  • They have to give you notice before putting up your rent.

It's important to know your rights as a renter or tenant, and not to be afraid to be assertive if a rental provider is not respecting the law, for example, by refusing your requests for repairs.

Tenants Victoria provides heaps of information and legal advice for renters. You can also call them for advice on (03) 9416 2577.

There's more information on both your and your rental provider's rights and responsibilities on our tenant rights page.

Household violence

If you're experiencing violence, threats of violence or harassment by a housemate, you don't have to put up with it. 

You can apply for an intervention order at your local Magistrates' Court (NOTE: you don't have to be experiencing conflict with a family member to request an intervention order). You can also call the Police Assistance Line (131 444) or fill out their online form to report a non-urgent event or crime anytime. In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).

You should also ask your network of friends and family for support or temporary accommodation.

The Domestic Violence Liaison Officer at your local police station can help by applying for an intervention order on your behalf if you are genuinely afraid for your safety.

More information about what you can do to stop household violence can be found at Safe and Equal. This website is mostly about relationships, but the advice applies to violence between housemates too.

Links

Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV)
The DSCV offers all Victorians a free dispute resolution service for common disputes.

Safe and Equal
This info is about relationships, but it can also apply to trouble within a share house.

Tenants Victoria
Tenants Victoria can't help with sharehouse disputes, but they can help if you have problems with your rental provider or landlord.

Consumer Affairs Victoria - renting
CAV has a heap of advice about renting, including fact sheets targeting specific issues like paying a bond, making the decision to rent, rental payments and tenancy problems.

Federation of Community Legal Centres Victoria
Use the postcode search tool to find a Community Legal Centre near you.