how does share housing works?

A simple breakdown of how share housing works with Iris

We share rides with strangers, we holiday in strangers’ rooms, we couch surf, we crash, we stay for the long weekend. As humans, we crave company.

At Iris, we recognise the importance of peacefully shared accommodation.

Here’s where the stress, frustration, and awkwardness ends.

No more:

• Passive conversations about how to split the electricity bill.
• Asking whose turn is it to do the gardening?
• Wondering if your flatmate will ever pay their rent?
• Stressing about that backyard party and damaged rental property.
• Risking your bond for the sake of keeping the peace.

In a jargon-free nutshell: the room you apply for comes with its own contract. This frees you from those shared liabilities. You know, the things that make share housing a weight on your shoulders.

The property agent will manage your:

• Individual Bonds
• Individual leases which also includes the cost of utilities (subject to reasonable use) and rent
• Gardening and property maintenance for the entire home

Enjoy peace of mind by being the boss of your own living, and not the whole sharehouse. 

Applications via our secure online portal are welcome directly from individuals or with the support of support workers. Following lodgement of the application, a phone interview will take place to better understand your individual needs, discuss preferences and to gather information for our screening process (which will be discussed in more detail during the call).  

Iris accepts various methods of payment for rent, including bank direct debit, Centrepay (a Centrelink free bill paying service to pay rent),  Housing SA bonds and Housing SA rent in advance cheques.  (We do not accept cash)

We welcome applicants who are on Centrelink payments to apply.

If an application is successful, tenants will be required to provide a bond equivalent to two weeks' worth of rent. The bond is then lodged with South Australia's Consumer Business Services.  

• Each private room is equpipped with password access locks 
• Each private room comes fully furnished with a bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, ceiling fan, television and private bar fridge. (Some of our tenants bring kettles and microwaves into their rooms, whilst others prefer to use the main amenities.)
• Some private rooms have heaters and air conditioners (cooling) available

• All share houses are accessed via keyless entry and have CCTV cameras in place so that tenants are reassured of both privacy and security 
• Kitchen complete with a stove, oven, microwave, kettle, cooking utensils, toaster, plates, bowls and cutlery;
• each tenant has a private lockable kitchen cupboard in the kitchen;
• Bathroom and toilet; 
• Laundry with washing machine; and
• Outdoor areas.
• Living area

Like any cohesive, equal system there are base obligations that keep the peace. And we play fair. Each tenant will receive an agreement that outlines the general etiquette and code of conduct to ensure all tenants have enjoyable use of the home. 

House rules form part of the lease agreement and frequent inspections are carried out to ensure the property is well maintained and there is harmony in the home. 

Our property managers are approachable, compassionate, interested in your feedback and in making sure you feel settled in your new home.  

Rental inspections are conducted quarterly as per standard residential tenancy agreements, however additional final bond inspections of individual rooms may be conducted as other tenants finish their lease. 

• Long term leases available, but you generally find most lease agreements are between 6-12 months.
• The standard residential tenancy agreement act applies should you wish to break your lease, just like your previous rentals.

  The Iris property that becomes your new home is set to include:

• Rent for your individual room.
• Electricity, gas and water (subject to reasonable usage)
• Complimentary WiFi internet with no caps to the usage limit. However, we cannot guarantee stability and troubleshooting in the event of a poor connection.  Therefore, if internet access is imperative and the tenant requires a constant connection, a wireless internet device and service should be secured by the tenant at their own expense.  Please discuss your needs with Iris before connecting.  

You are only liable for your lease and will not be burdened should other tenants in your home miss a payment. Similarly, you will have your own bond lodgement which is not impacted by other tenants. 

Unlike traditional rental applications, prospective tenants are allocated a share house by Iris after a thorough screening and matching process is undertaken. This process is highly personalised and takes into account the prospective tenant's needs and preferences, such as location and proximity to amenities and public transport. We are committed to providing choice at every opportunity. 

Our approach has proven to be highly successful in both enhancing the share-housing experience and compatibility of tenants in the home. 

To see a sample of share houses from the Iris property portfolio, please click below button.