Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay my share of the TV licence?

MSE_Sarah · 5 June 2017 at 10:58AM

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

I live in a shared flat and my flatmates want to split the cost of a licence so we can watch live TV. I know I won't use the TV as I'm out a lot and already pay for Netflix. Should I pay up just to keep the peace?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

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John_Gray · 7 June 2017 at 7:01AM

http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ35

"If you've signed a joint tenancy agreement with your housemates, it's likely you'll only need one TV Licence to cover all the TV receiving equipment in your house. So it's a good idea to share the cost.
[...]
If you've signed a separate tenancy agreement and you're using a TV receiving equipment in your room, you'll need a TV Licence of your own."

Having established the tenancy status and where the TV(s) are located, it's really up to you - do you want to

spend £50-odd a year (assuming three people sharing) for a quiet life?
put your foot down and refuse to pay?
chuck them out and get some non-TV watching flatmates?

Edi81 · 7 June 2017 at 7:10AM

Pay it.
There will betimes when you will watch live tv

louisewilson6 · 7 June 2017 at 8:09AM

Yes, I think you should pay it. There will undoubtedly be even the odd occasion when you watch live tv, and the facility is there for you regardless of how often you choose to use it.
It seems a reasonable utility bill and the cost really isn't very much. You don't say how many flatmates you have but the cost could be well under £1 a week. For example, if there are 4 of you in total, the weekly cost each would be 71p. If there are 3 of you in total the cost would be 95p each.
The small cost is well worth it to be free of any resentment or squabbles, leaves you free to watch tv if you please, and you are already winning if there's something you'd like THEM to contribute to in the future

Happy viewing! x

liitleblackcat · 7 June 2017 at 10:07AM

For crying out loud, it's only £2.50 a week - less than the price of a decent coffee - and where do you think all the radio and iplayer programmes come from. Grow up

paul_k · 7 June 2017 at 10:23AM

I would say pay it,there will be times you see the tv on and therefore you are in effect ,viewing it !
Also if you have a laptop etc and can view catchup tv be it on a phone too,you need a licence.
I would not want you as a flatmate if you did not pay your share.
You always get one don't you !! fit in or leave the flat !

iclayt · 7 June 2017 at 10:43AM

For the sake of keeping the peace, as you put it, pay it. I don't know about anyone else but in every house or flat share I ever lived in this was just considered a household bill to be split if it was a joint tenancy. Don't be awkward for the sake of it or you'll get a reputation you probably don't deserve.

crmism · 7 June 2017 at 11:36AM

Certainly not - provided you never at any time sit down with your flatmates and watch what they alone should pay for.

I assume, in saying this, that you use your own device for watching what you want to see.

Don't feel bad about it. It's what's called fair play.:)

pollypenny · 7 June 2017 at 11:50AM

Of course you should pay a share. It's a facility available to you when ever you want it.

Do you count your showers and pay a portion of the water bill?

bertiewhite · 7 June 2017 at 12:43PM

Do you all watch (and contribute to) Netflix or is it just you? I'd say if it's just you but everybody uses it then you don't need to pay a share of the license as well.

gaving7095 · 7 June 2017 at 12:46PM

Pay it & keep the peace, no question.

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I pay my share of the TV licence?

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