Money Moral Dilemma: Should my housemate's boyfriend pay towards our bills?

19lottie82

nczm wrote: »

Personally I wouldn't ask the friend to get her bf to contribute. Gather your house mates together and say that you are really concerned that your bills went up by £80 this month as long term it isn't something you can afford so can you all sit down together and work out what to cut back on to save the money (turn the heating down etc), if she's a nice honest girl she'll mention her bf costs and try and restrain him.
Ideally if you could switch to a pre paid card for your electric that would be the better option that way if he's about using it up he'll have to go top it up!

Why should the OP do all the running about to save money because her FM's boyfriend is using their flat as a home office?

Pre paid electric accounts cost a fortune and there would be no guarantee he would top it up either, so it would more than likely end up costing them MORE money.

jazimews

I feel most sorry for the flatmate that is hardly ever there! that person is the one who should be making a fuss - hardly there and having to pay additonal bills!!!!

tallgirld

I would say something. Words to the effect of

"Gosh that extra £80 was a bit of a shock. I think your boyfriend working from "home" contributed to that. Maybe he could contribute to the bill as I am not happy about paying more"

It may upset her but if you say nothing you will upset yourself. Get it off your chest!!

19lottie82

tallgirld wrote: »

I would say something. Words to the effect of

"Gosh that extra £80 was a bit of a shock. I think your boyfriend working from "home" contributed to that. Maybe he could contribute to the bill as I am not happy about paying more"

It may upset her but if you say nothing you will upset yourself. Get it off your chest!!

I agree. Best get it off your chest now. The longer you leave it the more it will build up and the more you will resent them.

You are NOT being out of order in asking him to contribute if he's there all the time.

rbrady_07

My 1st question would be on your electricity. How do you pay it? Were your previous bills estimates and is this an accurate...I.e it could be a catch up bill or you could have been underpaying your f2f and your account has been reviewed.

Secondly I would wonder what working from home actually is...if he's sitting on a pc/laptop all day then I would suggest he isn't using all that much electricity.

Thirdly, if you feel they are using more than their fair shair then are you also prepared to pay a bigger share of the housemates bill that is seldom there? I'm guessing not so I would leave things as they are.

Rachelll

It's not worth falling out over £80. Look on the bright side - someone there during the day is good for security, taking in deliveries etc.

[Deleted User]

Wait until they're banging away like rabbits in her room (which is probably most of the time, being students), and then just take £80 from his wallet.

Hey presto - problem solved. You cover the exta cost and there's no need for an awkward conversation.

happyinflorida

Yes of course you should say something.

Have a house meeting with him there - show him the extra cost you've just had to pay, show him the last 3 bills to prove he's costing you all more and say you all don't think it's fair - he is working, so he's got money - he must pay for what he's using.

Ashagill

I WAS that girlfriend. Two best friends lived together, and I went out with one of them. Got along with the other, but I did stay over ALL the time. I did offer to pay towards a bill sometimes, but it was met with sarcastic replies (as they were working and I was the student I guess). Therefore I always added to the grocery stock/bought flowers (honestly, were they ever going to buy flowers!?) and cleaned up often/did laundry, ironing. I bought snacks and drinks and toilet roll.
Perhaps a gentle hint for something to that affect might help make up for the added expense..

Ninjabel

If you're going to ask him to contribute, it's only fair to offer a discount to the girl who is never there, yes?