Co-living 101: Shared Expenses: What's the Right Way to Split?

Q: Your roommate suggests splitting the rent equally, even though one bedroom is much larger. Is this fair?

No. Rent should reflect room size or amenities. Reasonable and equitable. Splitting rent based on room size or perks like an en-suite bathroom ensures everyone pays for what they get.

Q: Your housemate buys a group grocery item but asks you to Venmo them immediately. What's the best response?

Suggest tracking shared expenses and settling up monthly. Practical and organized. A monthly settlement reduces constant back-and-forth payments and encourages transparency in shared costs.

Q: A roommate proposes splitting utility bills based on individual usage. Is this a good idea?

No. Equal splits are easier and still fair. Practical and balanced. Equal splits for utilities work because everyone benefits from shared systems. Tracking usage creates unnecessary hassle and disputes.

Q: Your housemate forgets to pay their share of the internet bill, causing a late fee. What should you do?

Ask them to cover the late fee and set a reminder system. Fair and proactive. Holding them accountable for the fee while suggesting tools like shared calendars prevents future issues and keeps things equitable.

Q: Is it reasonable to split the cost of a new couch for the living room equally?

Only if everyone agrees on the couch and its cost. Collaborative and fair. Shared purchases require group buy-in on the item and price to ensure everyone feels the split is equitable.

5 Questions

By: The Platuni Team

03 Jun, 2025

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1. Your roommate suggests splitting the rent equally, even though one bedroom is much larger. Is this fair?

Yes. Equal rent keeps things simple and fair

No. Rent should reflect room size or amenities

Only if everyone agrees to it upfront

Co-living 101: Shared Expenses: What's the Right Way to Split?

1. Your roommate suggests splitting the rent equally, even though one bedroom is much larger. Is this fair?

Yes. Equal rent keeps things simple and fair

No. Rent should reflect room size or amenities

Only if everyone agrees to it upfront

No. Whoever earns more should pay more

2. Your housemate buys a group grocery item but asks you to Venmo them immediately. What's the best response?

Pay them right away to keep things smooth

Suggest tracking shared expenses and settling up monthly

Refuse to pay until they show a receipt

Buy something else and call it even

3. A roommate proposes splitting utility bills based on individual usage. Is this a good idea?

Yes. It's the fairest way to split costs

No. Equal splits are easier and still fair

Only if you can measure usage accurately

No. The highest earner should cover utilities

4. Your housemate forgets to pay their share of the internet bill, causing a late fee. What should you do?

Pay the fee yourself to avoid conflict

Ask them to cover the late fee and set a reminder system

Deduct the fee from their next grocery contribution

Ignore it and hope they pay on time next month

5. Is it reasonable to split the cost of a new couch for the living room equally?

Yes. Everyone uses the couch, so everyone should pay

Only if everyone agrees on the couch and its cost

No. Only those who want it should pay for it

Not unless the landlord reimburses you