Guests staying at flatshare

richardp05

Sorry in advance for the long post, this just takes some explaining to put it in to context.
I have searched other forums but find myself in a pretty unique situation.

3 Bedroom Flat in zone 3 London shared between 4 people. Total rent for flat is £2,300 p/m.

One couple and two other individuals in separate rooms.

When we all moved in together we really loved the flat and to make sure we got it due to the quick moving of the rental market agreed to simply split it between 4 people. After all it wasn't too different to what I was paying living individually to now sharing a room with my girlfriend. And again it is a really nice flat.

So the rent is split:
Me - £575
GF - £575
Housemate 1 - £575
Housemate 2 - £575

Bills of roughly £50 each on top per month

We have lived here for over a year now and there haven't been any real issues. Both other housemates have girlfriends who stay over from time to time. One housemate's girlfriend is going travelling in a month or so for several months and has recently taken a sabbatical from work to do so. She has therefore moved out of London leaving her old flat.
Housemate mentions that she is due to visit him before she goes (understandable) but says she is looking to stay for 3 weeks. Of course I want my housemate to see his gf before she goes travelling.

The question arose though, should she make any contribution? Rent? Bills? and if so, how much?

There is obviously the argument of she is only visiting and not moving in and its his gf. However although we as a couple agreed on the rent split at the time, it isn't exactly fair. Renegotiating the rent has not been discussed with this housemate because he is more strapped for cash than myself and my girlfriend and we wouldn't want to make it worse.
His girlfriend has planned and saved money to travel the world, I kind of don't see why she should live in our flat for only the cost of bills, the situation could have been foreseen well in advance.

I just think seeing as she would only be staying a week or so short of a month, there should really be an element of rent paid. Otherwise someone would be living in the same situation as I am in the flat I rent and not paying any rent.

It's something I've been thinking about and don't want it to become a major issue between us all and was just seeing if anyone has been in a situation like this before and has any advice?

Should she make contributions and if so, how much?

MovingForwards

As you say she isnt moving in just staying to see her BF for a few weeks before travelling without him.

It's a bit unfair to be asking for a contribution.

Sunny Intervals when I moved in with my OH I suggested splitting bills/rent 3 ways in the flat so it would benefit his flatmate.

Soot2006

It is probably not right to ask for a contribution, however it might be an opportune moment to bring up the rent split. If you and your gf moved out, would your flatmates be able to get £1000+ for that one room? Is it really worth that? Can you do better?

Many years ago bf and I moved into a shared house with 3 others, two of whom seemed to think we should each pay the same as them but for one room. As I knew another person was leaving soon, we rented one room to start, then the second when it became available - used one as a bedroom and the other as a study / large wardrobe

G_M

As it's a temporary thing for a few weeks, it would not be fair in my opinion to demand a contribution to rent.


However, as this is more than the odd over-night or weekend visit, if I was the flatmate involved, or the gf, I would offer a contribution towards costs (shared consumables like kitchen/bathroom things, utilities etc).


If they don't offer this, I would suggest it.