Housing
Finding a share house in Sydney without getting scammed
A practical checklist for new arrivals: how to inspect a place, what bond and bills look like, and the red flags to walk away from.
Published 5 May 2026 · Last reviewed 5 May 2026
Finding a share house in Sydney
Rental scams targeting international students are common. This guide walks you through the practical steps to find a safe place.
Before you commit
- Always inspect in person, or via a live video walkthrough.
- Never wire money before viewing.
- Verify the lister has the right to sublet.
What to ask
- Weekly rent and what is included
- Bond amount (typically 4 weeks rent in NSW)
- Lease length
- Number of housemates and lifestyle
Red flags
- Rent suspiciously below market
- Refusal to do a video walkthrough
- Pressure to pay before signing