Flat etiquette

**BuFfY** · 10th June 2007, 19:28

If you flat with friends, and then you decide to move out, how much notice do you think you should give? And what is the appropriate mode of telling this news?

My flat mate text me today and said she is moving out on saturday, we have been friends for quite a few years...

**Curious_AJ** · 10th June 2007, 19:31

well, i'd give at LEAST a month's notice before i move out, but then thats me, i like to give lots of notice... and as for the mode of telling, i would go in person to all other flatmates (preferrably at the same time) to tell them i have to move out...

what you're flatmate did is unacceptable, and kind of rude... as well as suspicious...

**The Pastor** · 10th June 2007, 19:45

yeah Its not offen I agree with people (cos im a cunt) but yeah i fully agree with the aj.

If for some reason I couldnt give notice, i'd pay a months rent.

**Mrs Busa Pete** · 10th June 2007, 19:47

Originally Posted by Buffy

If you flat with friends, and then you decide to move out, how much notice do you think you should give? And what is the appropriate mode of telling this news?

My flat mate text me today and said he is moving out on Saturday, we have been friends for quite a few years...

It is generally anywhere between 2 to 3 weeks notice but it is up to what you are prepare to except' If he payed anything towards the bond i would keep 2 weeks of it. But do you want to keep the friendship because it could turn nasty.

**BuFfY** · 10th June 2007, 19:52

It is Cam's brothers house so we didn't have to pay a bond. She said she would pay for the next two weeks... one of which she will be here. I just think it is such short notice. It is a two bedroom place so we are quite unsure about what to do

**Mom** · 10th June 2007, 19:53

If you gave notice to your landlord you would have to give 21 days by law. If you give notice to your boss it is whatever is in your contract, usually one month, but can just be the pay period you have in place. Common decency dictates that you should have been given enough time to at least advertise the vacancy and make some progress to replacing the leaving flatmate. Bummer mate, guess this is a good heads up for everyone to put this kind of thing in writting, hope you find a replacement quickly!

**Toaster** · 10th June 2007, 19:55

Well, at least give notice equal to a rent period. For example - if you pay rent fortnightly, then under common law that is an acceptable term of notice.

**Toaster** · 10th June 2007, 19:57

.... regarding texting.... we really seem to have lost the art of real conversation.

(mind you, here we all are on Sunday night sending electronic message into the invisible internet thingy).

**Mom** · 10th June 2007, 20:01

Originally Posted by Toaster

.... regarding texting.... we really seem to have lost the art of real conversation.

(mind you, here we all are on Sunday night sending electronic message into the invisible internet thingy).

Yeah! Nah! this is LIFE mate.........LOL, text messages are not the way to do things like this though for sure......

Speaking of notice periods, the last bloke I lived with (my husband of 22 years) gave me one days notice, then left.........mind you I was quite pleased about that really...

**Toaster** · 10th June 2007, 20:06

Originally Posted by Mom

Yeah! Nah! this is LIFE mate.........LOL, text messages are not the way to do things like this though for sure......

Speaking of notice periods, the last bloke I lived with (my husband of 22 years) gave me one days notice, then left.........mind you I was quite pleased about that really...

What a wanker! Sorry to hear that, but sounds like a blessing in the long run. I must catch up with you guys sometime soon too. Was aiming to join that ride today, just to get out - sad to see it postponed.

**naughty** · 10th June 2007, 20:06

Ivw had the text message as notice before as well it sucks especially when you think you are friends. Great way to end a friendship! Usually depends on how often you pay but a minimum of 2 weeks notice and coming from the horses mouth is usually the more acceptable (normal) method. Good luck with finding someone decent its a jungle out there

**Curious_AJ** · 10th June 2007, 20:10

im sure there are plenty decent people on here that may be desparate for a place? or maybe not so desparate, but keen at least...

**RantyDave** · 10th June 2007, 20:11

Originally Posted by BuFfY

If you flat with friends, and then you decide to move out, how much notice do you think you should give?

As much notice as is specified on the lease for the flat as a minimum. So if the flat lease itself says a month, a departing flatmate needs to give a month's notice. Any less than this and I think the remaining flatmates should get to hold on to the deposit.

I think the departee really has an ethical responsibility to find someone to take over their place in the flat as well. The one time I left a flat (as opposed to everyone leaving at once) I reckoned this was my situation. Luckily we found a replacement that afternoon

Dave