Affordable living creates share housing boom but cheaper living comes with consequences

From a couple who wanted a bit more than a roommate to another who wasn’t keen on paying the bills, Queenslanders divulge their share house horror stories.

A share house can be a great first step when moving out of home, offering independence with added support, a learning experience and of course, cheaper living.

And while a share house can be ideal for meeting new people and starting a new circle of friends, for others it can be hell.

Jessica* moved to the city several years ago to embark on a new career, but leaving her friends and family for the first time was daunting.

The then 26-year-old had only a few days to find a place to call home before starting her new job.

She turned to a flatmate app and began inspecting properties.

She says there were definitely a few duds along the way but thought she found the perfect spot, close to work and with a nice couple.

The man worked in IT and the woman was a foreign student.

Jessica* thought it was safe to move in with the couple.

They told Jessica they liked to be social but also kept to themselves and she would be welcome to join them whenever.

“At first, everything was fine and my focus was on work because that’s what I was there to do,” Jessica* said.

“Then they started texting trying to plan outings, then they were knocking on my door at all hours trying to get me to join them for a drink.

“I didn’t really think much of it, but I was a shift worker and my hours changed all the time – it was hard enough to get a decent sleep let alone socialise.”

As the weeks went by the duo began to pursue Jessica* relentlessly.

“It was texts, calls, emails, bailing me up in the kitchen when I was cooking,” she said.

“They constantly wanted me to hang out with them.

“It started to get weird and creepy.

“He would stand outside my door at night – I could hear him breathing.”

The matter came to a head one night when the couple demanded she join them for drinks or else they would look for a new roommate.

“It was then they made their intentions clear, they didn’t want a roommate, they wanted another partner,” Jessica*said.

“When it became obvious to them I wasn’t interested, they began to take steps to kick me out of the apartment.

“Saying ‘it wasn’t working for them and they had a family member coming to stay and needed the room.

“They didn’t have to ask twice, after I had to barricade my door I was already looking for a way out.”

Stacey* also had share house dramas over an internet bill.

Sadly, she’s not alone, Stacey* too has had her fair share of nightmare roommates.

The Moorooka woman had been living with four other girls when one decided to leave.

The departing flatmate offered to find a replacement online so the others could stay put in the home.

“A girl came by to see the place and she took the room,” Stacey* said.

“About a month into it we had some bills due and bills weren’t included in the rent.

“She said ‘I was told bills were included in the rent’.”

And so began the problems for the group.

“The girl didn’t read the lease, which very clearly states no bills are included,” Stacey* said.

“This was all over a $15 internet bill.

“The rent was only $160, and for living in St Lucia that was very cheap.

“She told us she wasn’t paying bills and that she was going to be moving out and we needed to find someone to take over her lease.”

The former share house renters are urging others to be careful who you move in with. Image: iStock

Next thing Stacey* knew the flatmates had been added into a group text with the renter who refused to pay her bills.

“She said she was going to take us to court in the group chat,” she said.

Then the girl’s father has contacted another housemate and claimed his daughter was misled.

The threatening phone call was enough to turn all the renters off.

Thankfully, they found a lovely new roommate and the nightmare tenant’s father paid her share of the bills.

Two young women have shared their nightmare flatmate stories.

Flatmates.com.au community manager Claudia Conley says the business has seen a boost in people using the platform.

“We’ve seen an increase in families, young investors and first-time homeowners using Flatmates.com.au,” she said.

“(They’re) renting out their spare rooms as an additional revenue stream.

“Since the launch of our iOS and Android apps last year, we’ve had 200,000 combined downloads.”

Ms Conley issued a word of warning though, urging potential renters to ensure personality compatibility.

“(It is) key in a pandemic. Previously, if you clashed with your flatmates, you could jump off for a gym session or head to the pub for a pint,” she said.

“While Brisbane hasn’t had the same lockdown experience as Melbourne and Sydney, things can change very quickly.

“Make sure you have good rapport with your new flatmates before you move in together.”

The flatmates.com.au community manager says it’s crucial those looking for a new flatmate and prospective tenants to be wary.

“We have a number of guides to help flatmates navigate share accommodation that can be found at flatmates.com.au/info,” Ms Conley said.

“When considering share accommodation, our top tips include never paying bond or a deposit for a home you haven’t seen, and only meeting with people you have first spoken to on the phone.

“Always let a friend know when and where you’re going for an inspection and if you’re hosting inspections.

“Only give your address to people that you trust.”

*Names changed for anonymity.