Monthly Utility Bills quick question :)

turnbats

I've just moved into my brothers house on temp. basis until february. It is a 3 bed-room house he lives in with his girlfriend. He said he'd go through his bills to work out a fair payment a month so i can cover my share of the bills and what not. (gas, water & electricity).

He's come back and said that I'd need to pay £389 a month minimum, just to cover the bills and that any less will cost him and his partner money a month.

I was previously paying £385 per month for a double room in a student house with all inclusive bills, so am I right in thinking that isn't a fair price?

I thought that £280-£320 a month would not only cover bills, but also be a generous sum to pay on top of as well? Since i don't cost council tax and I sort out extra items like food separately. Or am I being naive?

Hooloovoo

He's having a laugh.

Based on my bills between three people £100 each a month would cover it.

I'd say he's trying to get you to pay ALL the bills - the figure he's given you is more than my total per month!

turnbats

Thank god I'm not going nuts! I thought about what I was paying previously and i just can't fathom where this £389 p/m (£97 p/w) for just bills was coming from.

I said can it be just £360 per month because of the bus costs to get to uni from his and he said that would mean I'd cost him £29 a month to do that... which again just sounds like I'm being rinsed.

Hooloovoo

Does that figure include a contribution to the mortgage/rent?

I dont see how having an extra person staying in the house could ever cost more. Yes, the total bill will probably go up but the per person share will go down from one-half to one-third which would always make it cheaper.

turnbats

I wasn't expecting to divide their mortgage so I'm paying a 1/3 of that off a month since im just in a room.

i thought £100 a month would cover bills and 200/250 to pay for the room (bearing in mind its not earning anything at any other time because they would never let it out).

Hooloovoo

Sounds like your brother is being a bit tight given you're only staying there for a couple of months, and they don't let the room out at any other time anyway.

Why are they expecting you to contribute to the mortgage? Will you get a share in the equity of the house for your money? I doubt it.

Personally I would just bill my brother one third of the total cost of the gas, electric, water, and council tax. Which as I said would be about £100.

He's taking you for a mug! What a way to treat family.

turnbats

In fact he might get a council tax reduction if i'm occupying one of the rooms as a student - not sure how it all works out.

But I don't really have any real knowledge to touch upon on what is right or wrong so thanks for enlightening

I will ask to see what the bill break down is, but im just trying to tow the line of not getting ripped off and also then being rude/tight.