Hi guys,

Finally made it to Australia.

I am looking for a house share and have noticed that some adverts request a bond and others don't.

Being the cynical guy that I am, would i be paying off somebody else's bond and maybe be left holding the baby?

Anyone any experience of this?

Which state are you in? In Victoria the landlord must lodge the bond with the tenancy authority and give you the receipt showing you that they have done.

If they don't, and issues arise when you move out, the landlord can be fined.

A lot of houseshares here seem to be sublets. If you are taking over somebodies room check to see if they are listed on the bond lodgement form. If they are then the name must be changed to yours or else it is hassle trying to get the bond authority to return the money to a different person.

As I said this is just for VIctoria. If you are heading to another state it may be different.

I had loads of problems with my former landlord in Melbourne trying to take money from my bond so I now know all about Victorian tenancy law

Thanks for the tip