Quick read: What Irish arrivals should know about finding a room, paying bond, inspecting house shares and avoiding rental scams in Perth.

Where people look

• Facebook groups, Flatmates, Gumtree, real estate sites and word of mouth are common starting points.
• Good rooms move quickly, so have a short intro ready with work status, visa type, preferred move date and references.
• If you are arriving from Ireland, try to arrange viewings for after you land rather than sending money for a room you have never seen.

Bond and paperwork

• In Western Australia, rental bonds are normally handled under WA tenancy rules. Ask for receipts and proper written terms.
• For a house share, clarify bills, internet, parking, cleaning expectations and how notice works before moving in.
• Do not assume a casual room arrangement has the same protections as a formal lease. Get the key terms in writing.

Red flags

• Pressure to pay immediately, refusal to video call, copied photos, odd payment methods and stories about being overseas are warning signs.
• Be careful with listings that are far cheaper than similar rooms in the same suburb.
• Never send passport scans or large deposits to someone you have not verified.

If something feels rushed or too good to be true, pause. There will always be another room.