Return to normal view

Shared Household Disputes

Shared household disputes can include:

• problems with paying rent, bond or shared expenses
• harassment or other inappropriate behaviour of one or more household members
• behaviour of friends or partners of other household members
• sharing domestic chores
• damage to property
• invasion of privacy
• issues of personal hygiene.

The following information is not legal advice and has been included to help you start thinking about the issues involved.

Dealing with shared household disputes

Many disputes can be resolved through communication and negotiation, which can help to reduce costs, delays and legal action. The Dispute Settlement Centre provides a free service and can offer advice and tips for dealing with matters yourself. The Centre also provides neutral, objective mediators to help you resolve disputes of any size or complexity.

The 'disputeinfo' website has step-by-step advice about common dispute situations and practical solutions.

The DSCV can assist whether the dispute involves:

• house owner and tenants
• tenants on the same lease ('co-tenants')
• tenants who have 'subleased' a room to someone who isn't on a lease ('sub-tenants')
• former members of a shared household who need to resolve debts and other issues
• people who are staying in a house with no defined arrangement.

Who else can help?

You can also get advice from Consumer Affairs Victoria. The VCAT Residential Tenancies List can give you information about your rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1980. The Tenants Union and other consumer and tenancy support groups provides advice and advocacy for tenants in residential tenancy matters.

If you are considering taking legal action we recommend you seek independent legal advice. Contact any of the following:

• Victoria Legal Aid
• Community Legal Centre
• the Law Institute of Victoria.