Frequently Asked Questions
What do Housemates have to do?
What are the benefits of using Cairns Homeshare.com as your Share Agent?
How do we find the home owners?
Who are the types of people I could be living with?
What happens if I don’t like my new home?
How is the weekly rent calculated?
Why do room rates vary so much?
What is included in the weekly rent?
How long do I have to stay for?
What is the difference between Cairns Homeshare and Cairns Sharehouse?
What do Housemates have to do?
Housemates need to have a friendly, flexible attitude, enjoy meeting new people and be able to treat their new home with respect, care for the home owners belongings and keep the home reasonably clean and tidy – pretty easy and common sense.
What are the benefits of using Cairns Homeshare.com as your Share Agent?
- We have already met the home owners – so no need to drive all over town and make endless phone calls.
- We have already established the price and inclusions and standard of rooms – so no nasty surprises.
- We have already visited the home and taken photos – saving you time.
- We invite you to attend monthly social functions to meet other share mates, working travellers and students.
- You will receive 10% discount on any tours booked in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji via Cairns Sharehouse.
- You will receive the ‘Cairns Sharehouse Discount Card’ entitling you to discounts at local bars, restaurants & shops.
- We have a minimum commitment of 4 weeks so if you don’t ‘gel’ with the home owner you can easily move on.
How do we find the home owners?
As the largest provider of professionally managed share accommodation in Queensland, we have a strong reputation in Cairns. We advertise in local press, radio and via the internet. Most of our business is generated by word of mouth by happy home owners and housemates!
In order to ensure that we have a good selection of home owners, all approved home owners are required to:
- Complete a registration form featuring information on their likes/dislikes/hobbies etc.
- Provide photo identification/passport and at least 2 references.
- Meet with our Property Manager for a property inspection.
Who are the types of people I could be living with?
- Our service is basically open to anyone who has a spare room and is keen to embrace the spirit of share accommodation – meaning that housemates and home owners agree to live harmoniously by respecting each other’s time, space and belongings. You could be living with local families, mature couples, young students or a house full of singles – it is completely up to you who you choose to apply to stay with!
What happens if I don’t like my new home?
We review all contracts between home owners and housemates after 2 weeks, and most housemates and home owners will have agreed to stay for at least 4 weeks. If you are not happy with your placement and let us know that you are keen to move we will start looking for another home for you to move in after the 4 weeks.
How is the weekly rent calculated?
We consider the current state of the rental market before agreeing a weekly rent with our home owners. Generally single rooms are priced from $120.00 - $160.00 per week, whilst double/twin rooms are from $150 - $250 per week*. (remember you may be paying slightly more in order to have the flexibility of a shorter contract).
Why do room rates vary so much?
The difference in room rates is dependent on location, size of room and any extra features/inclusions such as offering a TV/DVD player in the bedroom, access to AUSTAR, a fridge in the room, secure parking etc.
What is included in the weekly rent?
Generally all weekly rental rates are for furnished rooms including bed linen, electricity and water, and depending on the home owner may also include internet and air conditioning. Look at the listing for full details of what is included. Click here to view listings.
When you move in you and the home owner can agree how you will share the cost of incidentals such as bin bags, toilet paper, cleaning products and washing up liquid. Often we find a ‘kitty’ system works well where each housemate pays a small amount each towards these costs.
How long do I have to stay for?
Most home owners prefer to have housemates who commit to 4 weeks rent initially. After the first two week’s both the home owner and housemate need to be in agreement if the contract is to be extended. There is no maximum stay after the first month unless stipulated by the home owner. If you wish to stay for less than 4 weeks, the weekly rate will be increased by approximately $25.00 per week and is subject to approval by the home owner.
Is there a bond to be paid?
When you move into a home, you will be asked to prepay your first four weeks rent in advance direct to Cairns Homeshare.com. Some home owners may request a small bond to be paid directly to them as security against damages.
What is the difference between Cairns Homeshare and Cairns Sharehouse?
Both Cairns Homeshare and Cairns Sharehouse offer the opportunity to rent a room in an apartment or home.
With Cairns Homeshare you have the chance to rent a room in a local home with local people, providing you with a chance to really live in Cairns and meet Australians rather than other travellers. Generally you are living indepedently with only a few people who are also based in Cairns more permanently.
At Cairns Sharehouse, guests are usually staying with at least 6 other people from all around the globe for 1-3 months. This is perfect for those people who are travelling and are looking forward to having someone help them settle into the Cairns way of life. Click here for more information on Cairns Sharehouse.com