If you’ve ever shared an apartment or a house portion, you’re probably aware of the potential awkwardness that comes with deciding how to split rent with roommates. Even if you’ve prepared by asking all the right questions, the first conversation with a roommate about how to split property rent can be difficult.
Unlike a utility bill, which can be divided evenly, dividing rent fairly can be difficult. Everyone, after all, has different priorities. One roommate, for example, may prefer the largest room, whereas another may prefer the bedroom with the most natural light.
To make things easier for everyone, here are some suggestions for how to split apartment rent fairly.
Make a roommate agreement
A roommate agreement spells out the rules, responsibilities, and expectations that each tenant must adhere to. To validate the contract, each roommate signs the document. As a landlord of new property in smart city Lahore, you must set an example. You usually have no say in the creation of this document. Encourage your tenants to write one, however, for a more harmonious relationship between all parties. Here are some clauses you can suggest to your tenants for inclusion in their lease. The following rules apply:
- Taking other people’s personal items
- Food sharing
- Having visitors Determining which bills to split and pay for Cleaning and tidiness
- Making decisions on room assignments
- Managing Noisiness
- Leaving the rental property
Divide the rent equally
Equally splitting rent is the simplest approach for your tenants because everyone pays the same amount regardless of room size, income, or other factors. Because everyone’s payment is equal, this method is ideal for arrangements with similar rooms and amenities. If those particulars aren’t important to the tenants, this is the simplest way for them to split the rent.
Divide the rent by your income
Splitting rent by income, though uncommon, is a more democratic approach because the price each tenant pays is more economical for their unique financial situation. High-income tenants typically pay a higher percentage of the rent, whereas low-income tenants may owe significantly less. If everyone agrees on the terms of the agreement, this method assists low-income tenants in saving money and staying within their budget.
Divide the rent based on bedroom size and amenities
Tenants with larger rooms and personal amenities (private bathroom, private deck, walk-in closet, private parking space, etc.) should pay more to make rent splitting more equitable. Tenants with smaller rooms and fewer amenities, on the other hand, should pay less. Allowing your renters to pay the same amount while occupying different room sizes can lead to unwelcome conflict.
Divide rent as per responsibilities
For example, if your monthly rent and utility bill is roughly the same, you can choose to split rent by offering to pay for the utilities instead. In this case, the apartment bills are evenly distributed, and everyone is aware of their financial responsibilities. This is more equitable than splitting rent evenly and eliminates the stress of asking for rent each month.
Include a clause requiring joint and several liability
A joint and several liability clause is a rule that holds all tenants jointly and severally liable for the rent. Even if one of your tenants fails to pay their portion of the rent, this does not absolve the rest of the tenants. Your tenants are equally responsible for paying the full rent each month. Incorporate a joint and several liability clause into the lease agreement, and ensure that your tenants understand what it means.
Do not divide the security deposit
Before your tenants sign the lease agreement, inform them that the security deposit will not be divided. And they will only receive one check when you return the deposit. You should also specify this in the lease to avoid any confusion. Assure your tenants that the security deposit will be returned after a damage assessment and everyone has left the rental property.
Make use of a split rent calculator
A split rent calculator is a useful tool that does the math for you. You enter your information into the calculator, and it calculates how much each person should pay. Split rent calculators may differ slightly depending on which one you use, but most require the following information:
- Total number of square feet
- bedroom dimensions
- the number of people who live there
- Bathrooms can be shared or private.
- Additional sleeping quarters