Money Manners: 'My housemate's boyfriend is practically living with us'
By Jo Abi|
Money Manners is Honey Money's weekly column that deals with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter.
Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at jabi@nine.com.au.
This week's question comes via a 9honey reader and they are dealing with an awkward situation at home.
Question: 'My housemate's boyfriend stays over four nights a week'
My housemate's boyfriend is practically living with us. He comes over four nights each week. I think he should pitch in for the rent.
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I've had two lots of housemates fall out over this type of thing for years.?
Answer: This is just what happens when you live with roommates
Living with roommates can be challenging and I have called them "share houses" and that's exactly what they are.
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?But they are still homes, and that means if a roommate is dating or in a relationship, that person is going to spend time at their home.
I understand that your housemate's boyfriend is over quite often, but that doesn't mean they should pitch in for rent. They don't live there, they stay in your roommate's room and that's just what happens when someone is in a relationship.
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I sense it is the frequency with which they are over that is bothering you but you don't seem uncomfortable with their presence. Your concern seems more to do with feeling they are an additional roommate too which can be addressed differently.
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May I suggest you ask your roommate if their boyfriend wants to move in and if so, you can all split the rent. They may agree this is a good idea. Then you have yourself a new roommate and they will pitch in for the rent.
If they say no, that serves to highlight the issue of their boyfriend staying over four nights a week and they may alter their schedule.
Either way, it's on your mind and worth bringing up, but be ready for them to say no to your suggestion their boyfriend move in and continue as they have been.?
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