SIL House Tour Checklist: 15 Things to Ask and Notice
A house tour only lasts about 30 minutes. But what you see and hear in that time can shape the next few years of your life. It’s easy to get swept up in a nice kitchen and forget to ask the questions that really matter.
This checklist gives you 15 things to ask and notice when you visit a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home. Print it, save it to your phone, or hand it to the person coming with you.
A SIL house tour is your chance to see the home, meet the staff and housemates, and check that the support suits you. It isn’t a sales pitch. You’re allowed to ask anything, take your time, and say “I’ll think about it.”
Key Takeaways
- Visit before you decide. Ask to see the home, meet staff and, where possible, meet your future housemates.
- Check that your provider is NDIS-registered, and ask who owns or rents the house (it may not be the provider).
- Ask to see the paperwork. Your tenancy and your support should be two separate agreements.
- Notice how people treat each other. The atmosphere tells you more than any brochure.
Before You Go: 3 Quick Prep Steps
- Bring someone you trust. A family member, friend or Support Coordinator will notice things you miss.
- Check the provider is registered. The NDIS Commission has a Provider Register you can search. Ask your Support Coordinator if you need help.
- Write down your own priorities. What matters most to you? Quiet evenings, a pet, being near a train line, a certain routine? Take that list with you.
Not sure what the terms mean yet? Our plain-English guide to SIL, SDA, ILO and MTA/STA is a good place to start.
Part 1: The House
Start with the building itself. It should be safe, comfortable and right for your body and your routines.
1. Is the house accessible for you?
Ask: Does the layout work for my mobility, equipment and sensory needs?
Notice: Door widths, steps, bathroom access, floors, lighting and noise. Try moving around the way you would on a normal day.
2. Is it safe?
Ask: What are the emergency plans, and when were they last practised?
Notice: Working smoke alarms, clear exits, a first aid kit and well-kept electrical items. Look for anything broken or unsafe, such as loose handrails or leaking taps.
3. Do you get your own space?
Ask: Can I see my bedroom? Can I decorate it and lock my door?
Notice: Is there room for your belongings, a desk, a TV or hobby equipment? Does the room feel like yours?
4. Is it clean and looked after?
Ask: Who handles cleaning, repairs and the garden?
Notice: Smells, dust, the state of the fridge and whether the common areas feel cared for. A home is lived in, but it shouldn’t feel neglected.
5. What’s the neighbourhood like?
Ask: How would I get to shops, appointments, family and activities I enjoy?
Notice: The distance to public transport, parks, cafes and medical services. A great house in the wrong spot can leave you isolated.
Part 2: The People and the Support
Most of what makes a SIL home work is the people. This is the part to spend the most time on.
6. Who will you live with?
Ask: Can I meet my housemates? How do you match people together?
Notice: Do the residents seem comfortable and relaxed? Do their interests and routines suit yours? Some providers offer a short stay so you can try it first, so ask whether that’s possible.
7. How are staff and residents treating each other?
Ask: Can I spend a few minutes just watching how the house runs?
Notice: Are staff friendly and respectful? Do they talk with people rather than over them? Do residents seem free to make choices?
8. How is support actually delivered?
Ask: How many staff are here during the day? What about overnight, and is it an active night or a sleepover?
Notice: Whether the answer is clear and specific. A good provider can explain how your support hours work without dodging.
9. Will you have regular workers?
Ask: Do you use a core team? How do you handle staff leaving or sick days? What training do workers have?
Notice: Consistent faces matter, especially if you need routine. High turnover or lots of agency staff can be a warning sign.
10. How do you handle conflict and complaints?
Ask: If I’m unhappy with a housemate or a worker, what happens? Can I complain without worrying about payback?
Notice: A provider should have a clear, simple process and be able to show you. The NDIS Commission’s SIL standard says providers must have processes so you can raise concerns safely (NDIS Commission, 2026).
Part 3: The Paperwork and Your Rights
This is the part people skip, then regret. Ask to see the documents, and take your time with them.
11. Is your housing separate from your support?
Ask: Will I have a tenancy agreement and a separate service agreement? Who is my landlord?
Notice: The NDIS Commission says your tenancy agreement should stand alone and not depend on getting services from a particular provider (NDIS Commission, 2026). If the provider is also the landlord, they should be able to explain how they manage that conflict of interest.
Want the full picture? Read our guide on your rights in a Victorian SIL home.
12. What will it cost you?
Ask: How much is rent, and what does it include? What are the weekly costs for food, bills and activities?
Notice: SIL funding pays for support workers. It doesn’t pay your rent, groceries or electricity. If numbers feel vague, ask for them in writing. Your Support Coordinator can also review the proposed support package for you.
13. Can you see your Roster of Care?
Ask: Will I get to see the Roster of Care, and approve it before it goes to the NDIA?
Notice: Providers are expected to share the Roster of Care with you and seek your approval before submitting it for NDIS funding (Home Caring, 2026). If a provider avoids the question, that’s worth noting.
14. What are the house rules?
Ask: Can I have visitors? Do I get my own key? Can I keep my belongings, and what are the rules about food, pets and guests staying over?
Notice: Under the NDIS Commission’s standard, a good provider should support you to have visitors and control who enters your private space, with limits only where genuinely needed (NDIS Commission, 2026). Rules that feel like a hostel are a red flag.
15. Can you change provider and keep your home?
Ask: If I’m not happy with the support, can I change provider and stay in this house?
Notice: The standard says you can change your SIL arrangements, and the provider should take reasonable steps so you aren’t disadvantaged in your housing (NDIS Commission, 2026). Be wary of anyone who says, “Leave us and you leave the house.”
Green Flags and Red Flags at a Glance
| Area | Green flags | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome | Happy to show you everything, answers questions clearly | Rushes you, gets defensive, won’t let you meet housemates |
| Paperwork | Separate tenancy and service agreements, plain-language copies | Vague costs, “sign today” pressure, no copies to take home |
| Atmosphere | Residents relaxed, staff speak with people respectfully | Staff talk over residents, house feels tense or neglected |
| Choice | Visitors, keys, privacy and routines respected | Lots of restrictions with no reason given |
| Exit | Clear about changing provider without losing your home | Tying your housing to their service |
After the Tour: What to Do Next
- Write down your impressions that day. Memory fades fast, and tours blur together.
- Compare at least two or three homes. Use the same checklist each time.
- Talk it over with your support person. Share your gut feelings, not only the facts.
- Ask for copies of the agreements. Take them home, read them slowly, and ask an advocate or Support Coordinator to look them over.
- Don’t feel rushed. A good provider will give you time.
Need help? If something feels wrong, you can contact Tenants Victoria for tenancy questions or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission about support concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, and we encourage it. A family member, friend, advocate or Support Coordinator can help you ask questions and notice things you might miss.
Allow at least 45–60 minutes. That gives you time to see the whole house, meet staff, chat with housemates if they’re comfortable, and ask your questions without rushing.
Often, yes. Many providers can arrange a meet-and-greet or a short stay. Housemates also have a say, so it may take a little organising. It’s always fair to ask.
Absolutely. Many people visit once during the day and again at dinner or in the evening, because the house can feel quite different at different times.
Say so. You don’t have to decide on the spot. Take the paperwork home, speak with your Support Coordinator, and visit other homes to compare.
No. Having a SIL provider that’s independent of your housing provider can give you more control and flexibility over your supports. Your Support Coordinator can talk you through the options.
Ready to See a Home for Yourself?
At Specialised Living, we’re happy to show you around, introduce you to the team, and answer every question on this list. No pressure, no rush. We support people across Werribee and Melbourne’s West.
- Explore Services: View Supported Independent Living Options
- Book a Tour: Call 0402 385 436 or email info@specialisedliving.com.au
- Referring someone? See our page for Support Coordinators and referrers
This article is general information only and isn’t legal or financial advice. Every situation is different, so speak with your Support Coordinator, an advocate or a legal service about your own circumstances.