Should my partner be charging me rent?

dollypug123

My partner and I have been arguing over this for months.I cannot see the wood from the trees.

My partner owns his flat outright (gift from parent). 

2 bedrooms. 1 room is rented out to a friend. We share the other room (for the last 3 months)

We 3 split bills (electric, gas, water, internet) equally. 

My partner wants me to pay him ‘rent’ on top of bills, at half the rate his friend pays. 

He says this will cover council tax and the flat’s service charge, but he refuses to tell me how much the council tax and service charge are. I say I'd be happy to split the cost of these but want to know what the costs are. He also says the money will help him pay for a course he is doing. 

I say the arrangement feels like he is profiting from me, that I am happy to share the cost of bills but unsure about giving him money on top. He says that I am already profiting from him as I’m paying less in rent and living in his home. 

I suggested putting the ‘rent’ into a joint fund that can go toward joint things like furniture, holidays. He refuses, says that this is just another way of me not paying.
It this fair?

caprikid1

What would you pay elsewhere ? What is he asking for ?

I appreciate he is not losing rent though as he cannot rent his room out.

I think you probably have a good deal so you probably need to get over it.

This is more about the relationship that rent.

dollypug123

caprikid1 said:

What would you pay elsewhere ? What is he asking for ?

I appreciate he is not losing rent though as he cannot rent his room out.

I think you probably have a good deal so you probably need to get over it.

This is more about the relationship that rent.

He's asking for 350 a month on top of bills. His friend pays him 700. I would be paying around 700/800 for a room in a shared house elsewhere.

FlorayG

I think he's a bit bl00dy entitled and I wouldn't be staying there. He's been gifted the flat and wants to charge his partner rent? That's not a relationship I would be pursuing. Share of bills, yes, fine, quite normal to expect you to pay 1/3 the council tax and 1/3 the service charges. (A third because there are three people living there)
Never heard anything so outrageous I'd be on my bike ASAP

comeandgo

You have a bargain, still cheaper than renting else where, and he has a room mate with privileges.   

caprikid1

So in reality a fair rent, the question is whether you should pay rent.

No one can really answer that.

Ultimately you will need to decide whether this is the guy for you and vice versa.

Mr.Generous

Rent to room share? Is it a partner or a business arrangement? Split the bills, yes, thats fair. Pay rent? Is it a tenancy or something else? Charge him for any services you provide, and I'm thinking washing, cooking, cleaning before anyone gets alarmed!!

lovelifer

no , he's being greedy. I split the bills with my partner, she doesnt pay rent because, well, she's my partner and I dont expect it, He's taking the !!!!!!.

kimwp

It doesn't sound like he views this as a long term relationship tbh

Albermarle

It is the same dilemma as do you charge rent to any adult children living at home.
Some people think that is OK and others do not.
Personally I think it is OK as long as it is a reduced rate.

OP- Maybe say - I will pay a third of all bills, including council tax and service charge,( if you tell me what they are ) and then + £100 a month to cover things like maintenance costs etc.

WIAWSNB

dollypug123 said:

My partner and I have been arguing over this for months.I cannot see the wood from the trees.

My partner owns his flat outright (gift from parent). 

2 bedrooms. 1 room is rented out to a friend. We share the other room (for the last 3 months)

We 3 split bills (electric, gas, water, internet) equally. 

My partner wants me to pay him ‘rent’ on top of bills, at half the rate his friend pays. 

He says this will cover council tax and the flat’s service charge, but he refuses to tell me how much the council tax and service charge are. I say I'd be happy to split the cost of these but want to know what the costs are. He also says the money will help him pay for a course he is doing. 

I say the arrangement feels like he is profiting from me, that I am happy to share the cost of bills but unsure about giving him money on top. He says that I am already profiting from him as I’m paying less in rent and living in his home. 

I suggested putting the ‘rent’ into a joint fund that can go toward joint things like furniture, holidays. He refuses, says that this is just another way of me not paying.
It this fair?

I'm struggling to answer due to tinnitus from the clanging warning bells. In my opinion, your fellow is not treating you with even a basic level of honesty and respect.

Make of that what you will.