Should I ask my flatmate to subsidise more of the rent?

smdabs

For some reason, this post has irritated me. (Maybe because ive had friends like the OP in the past...)

If you had asked the question without mentioning your friend's earnings, that's one thing... the fact you've even thought that this is more acceptable to ask of them because 'they earn more' is plain rude and unfair. Them earning more doesn't mean they have spare cash to throw at you... it means they're working harder and most likely have plans for THEIR money. And yes, if i was the friend, i would feel used.

You definitely knew your rough budget before viewing, no matter how bad/good you may be with your finances. If you didnt, you wouldnt even know if you could move out full stop.

By going to view this obviously unaffordable house, you clearly already had (maybe 'subconciously') thought that you can just ask your mate to subsidise you because they're better off. Not acceptable.

Pretending that i dont think this is a ridiculous question to ask and that you are very much in the wrong... from your perspective, just think about how it would be for you to live there. You'll constantly be living somewhere knowing that really, your flat mate has all the power of the place. Things could get extremely messy.

AndyBSG

Obvious point the OP is missing.

If you can't afford to pay your share of the rent as it is what happens if your flatmate loses his job and you have to pay the full rent on your own?

Plenty of tales on here of house shares where one of the tenants has had similar happen and the other tenants suddenly find they have to pay that persons share as well before they end up with a wrecked credit file.

cazpost

If you can't afford it you need to tell your friend straight. If he decides to go ahead and susidise the rent that is up to him,but you need to make sure you have a clear understanding in writing. Otherwise he will start to resent paying 'your share' and you will feel uncomfortable every time a bill arrives.

Mikeeuropa

Did your friend know what your maximum budget was before you went to view? And who picked it out as a possibility to go and view?
I'm thinking if he knew your budget and it was he that suggested viewing that maybe he was intending on offering to pay more than you?

If it was your suggestion to view then it was a mistake to do so.

Giving you the benefit of the doubt on the question of whether you arranged to view a place you couldn't afford, I would suggest you are open with your friend and say you're sorry, you really like the place but the absolute maximum you can afford is £x so it doesn't look like it's a goer. That gives him the option of coming up with the idea of paying more or you could, maybe, tag on the offer of if he wants to pay £y in exchange for the larger room.