Finding the right flatmate or room is exciting — but before you shake hands, sign anything, or transfer a single dollar, there are some important things to talk through first.
This pre-agreement checklist covers everything you should confirm with your potential flatmates or landlord before committing to a share accommodation arrangement. Print it out, go through it together, and avoid the surprises that trip people up after they've already moved in.
📄 Download the Checklist
Want a printable version? Download the Pre-Agreement Checklist PDF to bring to your property viewing.
The 10-Point Pre-Agreement Checklist
1. Meet All Potential Flatmates
If possible, meet everyone you'll be living with in person at the property — not just the person listing the room. You're going to share a kitchen, bathroom, and living space with these people. Knowing you'll get along matters as much as the rent amount.
- Meet at the property, not a café
- Don't commit to a room you haven't physically seen
- Trust your gut — if something feels off, it probably is
2. Exchange Basic Details
Before any money changes hands, share your basic details with each other and ask for theirs.
- Full name
- Current address
- Phone number and email address
- Photo ID (driver's licence or passport) — it's reasonable to ask and reasonable to show
💡 Why it matters: If something goes wrong later, you need to know who you're dealing with. Anyone who refuses to share basic ID should raise a red flag.
3. Clarify the Agreement Type
Not all share accommodation arrangements are the same. Understand what you're signing up for before you sign anything.
- Residential tenancy agreement (formal, legally binding, governed by tenancy law)
- Common law arrangement (less formal, governed by general contract law)
- Fixed term — locked in for a set period (e.g. 6 months)
- Periodic — ongoing, with notice required to end it
Ask to see any agreement before you move in, not on the day you collect the keys.
4. Bond / Security Deposit
A bond protects the landlord or head tenant against unpaid rent or damage. Make sure you're clear on the details before paying.
- Is a bond required? How much?
- Who holds it — the landlord, the head tenant, or a tenancy authority?
- Under what conditions is it returned at the end?
- Get a written receipt for any bond paid
⚠️ Never pay a bond in cash without a receipt. In NZ and Australia, bonds for formal tenancies must be lodged with the relevant tenancy authority.
5. Rent Payment
Rent is the obvious one — but there's more to it than just the amount.
- How much is the weekly/fortnightly/monthly rent?
- Who do you pay? (landlord directly, head tenant, property manager)
- What payment method is expected? (bank transfer, automatic payment)
- What day is rent due?
- Will you receive receipts or confirmation?
💡 Direct bank transfer is the safest way to pay rent — it creates a paper trail. Avoid cash wherever possible.
6. Bills and Utilities
Who pays for power, internet, water, and gas — and how are costs split?
- Which bills is the flatmate responsible for?
- Are bills split equally or based on usage?
- Are any bills included in the rent?
- Who is the account holder for each utility?
- How do you pay your share — directly or through the head tenant?
Agreeing on this upfront prevents the most common flatmate arguments.
7. Room Furnishings
Is the room furnished, unfurnished, or somewhere in between?
- Does the room come with a bed, wardrobe, desk, or drawers?
- Are shared spaces (kitchen, lounge) furnished?
- What appliances are included — washing machine, dryer, dishwasher?
- Is there parking available, and does it cost extra?
Don't assume. Ask specifically what's included and get it in writing if possible.
8. Property Access and Shared Spaces
Know what's yours and what's shared.
- Which areas are exclusively yours? (typically your bedroom)
- Which areas are shared? (kitchen, bathroom, lounge, laundry, outdoor areas)
- Are there storage areas available?
- Are there any areas that are off-limits?
If there are multiple bathrooms, clarify whether they're shared or assigned.
9. House Rules
Every household has its own culture. Make sure yours aligns before you move in.
- What are the expectations around cleaning and chores?
- Are overnight guests allowed? How often?
- What's the policy on pets?
- Are there quiet hours?
- Is smoking allowed anywhere on the property?
- What about parties or large gatherings?
These conversations feel awkward upfront but are far less awkward than having them after a conflict.
10. Ending the Arrangement
Things change — jobs, relationships, life. Know how to leave before you arrive.
- How much notice is required to end the tenancy?
- If it's fixed term, can you leave early? What are the conditions?
- What happens to the bond at the end — who inspects the property?
- What condition does the room/property need to be in on departure?
The Quick-Reference Checklist
| ✅ | Item | Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Met all flatmates in person at the property | |
| ☐ | Exchanged names, contact details, and ID | |
| ☐ | Understood the agreement type (formal / common law, fixed / periodic) | |
| ☐ | Confirmed bond amount, holder, and conditions | |
| ☐ | Agreed on rent amount, due date, and payment method | |
| ☐ | Discussed which bills are included and how costs are split | |
| ☐ | Confirmed what furniture and appliances are included | |
| ☐ | Understood which spaces are private and which are shared | |
| ☐ | Discussed house rules (cleaning, guests, pets, noise) | |
| ☐ | Clarified notice periods and conditions for ending the tenancy |
One More Thing: Get It in Writing
A verbal agreement is better than nothing, but a written one is better than both. Even a simple email summarising what was agreed — rent amount, bond, bills, notice period — gives you something to refer back to if memories differ later.
The best flatmate relationships start with clear expectations, not assumptions.
Looking for your next place? Browse rooms and shared homes on Flathive and bring this checklist to your next viewing.