Rooming Houses

There are over 1000 registered rooming houses in Victoria, many of which are in the inner urban areas of Melbourne.  
Residents generally have a single room and share facilities such as kitchen and bathroom. Well managed rooming houses may suit older people who like a semi-furnished home with little upkeep required.

Rooming houses range from well-run premises owned by not-for-profit organisations to dodgy rooms let by unscrupulous profit-mongers.

If you are interested in rooming house living then consider the following points:

• Check whether the rent covers electricity, cleaning, maintenance and any additional service costs.
• Ask about security of tenure. The government-funded rooms may have lifetime security of tenure whereas the private boarding houses have the same rules about notices to vacate as private rental.
• Does it seem to be a safe environment?
• Is it registered and does it seem well managed?

How do I apply?

Speak directly to the Rooming House provider or call Home at Last on 1300 765 178  for additional help. Home at Last can refer you to your local crisis housing service if you are currently homeless and they may be able to arrange rooming house accommodation for you.