How to Deal With Roommates & Bills
Living with roommates can be a great experience ... or it can be a nightmare. Sometimes a bad roommates situation is a compatibility issue -- such as a slob living with a neat freak -- while other times it is an issue of responsibility. Money can strain any relationship; if you live with roommates who don't pay their fair share, resentment will undoubtedly build. It is best to spell out who is responsible for what, and when, to limit arguments and promote financial peace in the household.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer
- Pen
- Paper
- Calculator
- Copies of recent bill statements (if available)
Instructions
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1
Decide how you are going to communicate with your roommates about money. Several options are available: Notes on the fridge and spreadsheets are possibilities. Some websites offer services to email everyone with totals and due dates of their individual portions. Other people prefer to have a house meeting once a month to add everything up and settle each share. Select the option that best suits everyone.
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2
Write down a roommate agreement. The agreement should list each bill with the amount each person should pay, who is responsible for paying it and how roommates will be notified in accordance with Step 1. Include all costs you have agreed to share such as rent, renter's insurance, utilities, cable and groceries.
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3
Sign and date the agreement, and have everyone else sign it. Give all roommates a copy.
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4
Follow through on your agreement. While this seems obvious, many people do not like to discuss money or confront roommates about bills.
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5
Address any problem, issues or concerns directly with your roommate(s). Too often, people wait until long after they are upset about something before bringing it up. Directly addressing your roommate(s) prevents issues from growing.
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Tips & Warnings
If problems continue, document all unpaid bills, discussions and responses in case you need to discuss rent with your landlord or even sue.
References
Resources
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