How to Split Bills Without Killing Your Flatmates (The Ultimate Guide)

The "Heating War" of 2025

It starts small. Someone leaves the landing light on. Then someone takes a 20-minute shower. Then, suddenly, you are screaming at your best friend because they turned the thermostat up to 25°C while you are wearing three jumpers to save 50p.

Money is the #1 cause of arguments in student houses. But it doesn't have to be.

Whether you are moving into your first house or you are already deep in the trenches of bill warfare, here is the definitive guide to splitting costs without ruining friendships.

Option 1: The "All-Inclusive" Package (The Easy Way)

Many student landlords now offer "bills included" rent. Or, you can use a bill-splitting service like UniHomes or Split The Bills.

How it works: You pay one fixed monthly payment to the company. They pay the gas, electric, water, and internet suppliers.

Pros:
- Individual Liability: If your housemate Dave doesn't pay his share, Dave gets chased by debt collectors, not you. This is huge.
- Simplicity: One payment. No maths.
- Fixed Costs: You know exactly what goes out every month.
Cons:
- Cost: You pay for the convenience. It is almost always more expensive than managing it yourself (often £10-£20 extra per person per month).
- Usage Limits: There is usually a "fair usage" cap. If you run a crypto farm in your bedroom, you will still get charged extra.

Verdict: Best for groups who don't know each other well or are terrible with admin.

Option 2: The "DIY" Approach (The Cheaper Way)

If you want to save money, manage the bills yourselves. But you need a system.

The "Lead Tenant" Risk

Usually, utility companies only want one name on the bill.

The Risk: If the bill isn't paid, the named person's credit score gets hit.
The Fix: Rotate the bills. You take Gas, Sarah takes Electric, Mo takes Internet. That way, the risk is shared.

The Joint Account

Some houses open a joint bank account (e.g., with Santander or Lloyds). Everyone transfers £100 on the 1st of the month, and bills come out of that pot.

Warning: This creates a "financial association" on your credit file. If your housemate has bad credit, it can drag your score down. Avoid this unless you trust them with your life.

The Tech Stack: Apps You Need

Do not use a spreadsheet. Do not use a piece of paper on the fridge. Use technology.

1. Splitwise (The Holy Grail)

If you download one app, make it this one.

How it works: You buy toilet roll (£5). You log it in Splitwise. It splits it between everyone.
The Magic: It simplifies debts. If you owe Sarah £10, and Sarah owes you £5, it tells you to just pay Sarah £5.
Rule: Log everything immediately. "I'll do it later" is a lie.

2. Monzo Shared Tabs

If everyone has Monzo (which, let's face it, 90% of students do), use Shared Tabs.

You can see who has paid and who hasn't instantly.
You can settle up with one tap.

The "Unwritten Rules" (Agree These NOW)

Sit down with a pizza and agree on these rules before the first bill arrives.

1. The Heating Constitution

The Temperature: Agree on a number. 19°C or 20°C is standard. 24°C is tropical.
The Schedule: When is it on? 7am-9am and 6pm-10pm? Or 24/7?
The "Boost" Button: Who is allowed to press it?

2. The "Partner Tax"

This is the biggest cause of drama.

Scenario: Sarah's boyfriend stays over 5 nights a week. He showers, charges his laptop, and cooks.
The Rule: If a guest stays more than 3 nights a week regularly, they should contribute to bills. Agree this before the boyfriend moves in.

3. The Communal Items

Toilet Roll, Washing Up Liquid, Bin Bags.
Method A: Buy in turns. (Flawed: Someone always buys the cheap 1-ply paper).
Method B: Splitwise it. One person buys the big 24-pack, logs the cost, everyone pays their share. (Best method).

What to Do If Someone Won't Pay

It happens. A housemate is "short this month" or just refuses to pay.

Don't let it slide. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
Use the App. "Hey, Splitwise says you owe £45 for the electric. Can you send it over?" is less aggressive than a face-to-face confrontation.
The "House Meeting". If they ignore texts, sit down as a group. Keep it calm. "We can't pay the bill until everyone contributes."
Contact the Parents? The nuclear option. Only use if you are desperate and facing disconnection.

Summary

Living with friends is amazing. Arguing about money is not.

Be transparent.
Use Splitwise.
Pay on time.

If you can master this, you are ready for the real world.

Worried about affording your share of the bills? Check out our Student Budget Planner to get your finances in order.