Choose a supported independent living (SIL) home by checking the rooms, the people you might live with and the support you would receive. A spare bedroom does not establish a suitable match. Ask how the arrangement would work during your own daily routine before agreeing to move.

SIL funds support workers rather than the house itself. Your funding, housing agreement and support arrangements all need to be clear. The Commission's SIL housing standard explains how tenancy and support agreements should be separated.

Take these 12 questions to a viewing. Record the answers in a format you can use, and involve someone you trust if you want help comparing homes.

Who would I share the home with?

Housemate matching should consider ordinary household life as well as support needs. Ask how introductions happen and what information is shared. Existing residents should have an opportunity to express their preferences and have their private information respected.

Discuss the parts of home life you would share:

  • Sleep and waking times.
  • Noise, lighting and sensory preferences.
  • Food choices and use of the kitchen.
  • Visitors, pets and shared activities.
  • Use of the lounge, bathroom and outdoor spaces.
  • How you prefer to communicate a disagreement.

People do not need identical interests to live together. The question is whether everyone’s preferences can be respected without one person repeatedly giving up privacy or activities.

Ask for time to meet and reflect before deciding. You may want another meeting or a visit at a different time. Agree which personal details are relevant rather than circulating full reports about prospective housemates.

The Commission's supported decision-making standard centres participants’ choices about home, relationships and daily life. Those choices need to continue after the move.

Can I use the rooms and outdoor areas?

Look beyond the entrance. Check the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, doorways and places you would spend time. Consider storage for equipment, the laundry and access to outdoor areas.

Bring relevant equipment or seek an occupational therapist’s advice where needed. Explain the task you want to do in each space, rather than relying on a general description of the house as accessible.

What support would I receive during the day?

Ask the provider to describe a weekday using your own needs. Find out when support is individual and when it is shared. Ask what happens when two residents need assistance at once, or one wants to go out while another stays home.

Similar ages or interests do not establish that a shared support schedule will work. Ask the provider to walk through an example that includes competing needs and less predictable routines.

What happens overnight?

Discuss your actual night-time needs. Ask who is present, how you request help and what would happen if more than one person needed assistance at once.

Check how a change in your needs would be assessed and discussed. Do not assume that the phrase “overnight support” describes the level of assistance you require.

How will workers learn my communication and routines?

Explain how you express choices, discomfort or a need for help. Ask how this information reaches new or replacement workers and whether you can meet the people likely to support you.

Discuss the assistance, equipment and instructions needed for specific tasks. Ask who workers contact when they need guidance during a shift.

What would I pay each week?

Request separate figures for rent, food, utilities and other personal expenses. Ask what any board payment includes, how shared purchases are recorded and what happens when you are away.

SIL does not cover ordinary living expenses. The NDIS SIL provider guide explains the distinction. Use our SIL costs guide to prepare questions about the quote.

What agreements would I sign?

Identify the landlord and the support provider, even if they are connected. Ask for copies of the tenancy and service agreements to read before deciding.

Check each document against the proposed costs and support schedule. Ask for unclear terms to be explained in your preferred format. Keep copies of what you agree to.

Can I change my support provider while staying here?

Ask how that choice would work in practice. The Commission’s housing standard treats the tenancy agreement and service agreement as legally separate. Seek independent advocacy or tenancy advice if their relationship is unclear or you feel pressured to accept an arrangement.

Ask about notice periods, handover responsibilities and how essential support would continue during a change. Our provider-change checklist covers the support handover questions.

How are privacy and visitors handled?

Discuss access to your room, keys, belongings and visitors. Ask how residents decide how to use shared rooms. Check whether proposed house rules respect your preferences and rights.

Agree how you can raise a concern privately, including if the concern involves someone living or working in the home.

What happens if housemates disagree or the household changes?

Find out who helps with disagreements about noise, food, visitors or shared space. Ask how concerns are addressed and how you can involve someone you trust.

A housemate may move out or someone’s support needs may change. Ask how the provider reviews shared support, introduces another resident and keeps you involved. Keep a note of the preferences discussed and ask when they will next be reviewed.

How would I keep my usual activities?

Consider work, appointments, friends and community activities. Check the actual travel involved, including the return trip, and how support would fit around it.

Ask what happens when your usual activity is cancelled or your plans differ from a housemate’s. A suitable bedroom is only one part of a workable living arrangement.

Can I visit again before deciding?

A second visit may help you see another time of day or ask follow-up questions. If a gradual introduction or trial stay is offered, clarify its purpose, support, costs and end date before agreeing.

After viewing, mark each answer as confirmed or needing follow-up. Ask for written answers about unresolved costs, support and agreements before making a commitment.

See our supported independent living service and our moving-out planning checklist for the next parts of planning.