Renting a Property with Friends in Australia: What You Need to Know

Renting a property with friends in Australia can be a great way to save money, share responsibilities, and enjoy a more social lifestyle. But without clear agreements and the right structure, it can quickly lead to confusion, financial stress, or disputes.

Whether you are an international student, a recent arrival, or just moving out for the first time, this guide will help you understand how co-renting works and what to be aware of before signing a lease with friends.

1. Who will be on the lease?

One of the most important questions when renting with friends is who will be listed on the lease. In most cases, everyone living in the property should be formally included as co-tenants or approved occupants. This ensures that all housemates are legally responsible for rent payments and the condition of the property.

If only one person signs the lease and others are staying unofficially, it can lead to issues if someone leaves or fails to pay their share. At Find My Home, we always ensure that lease agreements are structured properly and transparently. This helps protect you and your friends throughout the tenancy.

To learn more about the rental process, check out our article on What Happens After You Apply for a Rental in Australia.

2. How should rent be split fairly?

When renting as a group, it is common to divide rent based on room size, features, or privacy. For example, someone with an ensuite or balcony might pay more. It is important to have this discussion early and agree on a split that feels fair to everyone. Putting it in writing helps prevent future disagreements.

When you rent through Find My Home, we can help you estimate a fair rent breakdown before submitting your application. If you are not sure how much to budget for, our article on Budgeting for Your First Rental in Australia offers a full guide to upfront costs and ongoing expenses.

3. What happens if someone moves out early?

Life changes quickly. A friend might switch jobs, start a new course, or decide to live alone. If one person wants to leave before the lease ends, it affects everyone, especially if the property is rented as a group.

In most cases, all listed tenants remain responsible for the full rent. This is why having a clear lease structure matters. With Find My Home, you are not left to figure things out alone. If a housemate needs to leave, we help manage the process and communicate with the agent on your behalf.

4. Set clear expectations before moving in

Even the closest friends can clash over cleaning, noise, shared food, or guests. To avoid tension, it helps to set some basic house rules from the beginning. A simple shared document or group agreement can make a big difference later.

At Find My Home, we often encourage co-renters to have this conversation upfront. Renting a place together is about more than just securing the property, it is about creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable.

5. Choose a property that suits shared living

Not every apartment or home is ideal for multiple renters. Look for properties with enough space, separate rooms, and good sound insulation. Having more than one bathroom can also make a big difference.

When you use Find My Home, we help you shortlist properties that suit your lifestyle, group size, and budget. If you need tips on making the space feel more functional once you move in, take a look at How to Choose Furniture That Fits Your Rental Layout.

Final thoughts on Renting a Property with Friends in Australia

Renting with friends can be a fun and affordable way to live in Australia, but it works best when expectations are clear and responsibilities are shared. From structuring your lease to helping you find a suitable property, Find My Home supports renters every step of the way.

If you are applying for a rental as a group and want to increase your chances of approval, get in touch with us. We can help you prepare everything you need and guide you through the process with confidence.

Visit findmyhomeaus.com or Message us on WhatsApp to get started!