Opinion Needed: Splitting Rent

[mnkyman]

So I just wanted to get some opinions on this.

Next Year I'll be a Junior at UT and have decided to live with 2 good friends (they are twins). For financial reasons, they want to split a bedroom, so we would rent a 2/2 and we would split the bill down the middle (I pay half and they together would pay half). Some places that we have looked at have 1 larger bedroom and a slightly smaller bedroom, I don't mind taking the smaller one (seeing as how the size difference isn't much), however, most places have a separate bathroom for the larger bedroom while the smaller bedroom has the bathroom that opens to the main apartment. I'm a little OCD, so having my own restroom would be great, but still not a deal breaker. Finally, the apartment comes with 2 parking spots and we each have a car...to purchase a third spot would cost $75/month and when we looked at the apartment, the realtor said "most people just split it 3 ways". (and just for the record, we already agreed we would split water/electric 3 ways)

Now this is my question, would I be in the wrong thinking that a parking spot comes with a bedroom? In other words, I shouldn't have to pay for that 3rd parking spot? I mean, I'm already taking the smaller bedroom with the "open" bathroom and paying the same price they are. That's what i'm thinking...and I'll probably bring it up next time I see them, but just wanted to see what other peoples opinion is on this...


Also, just wondering, has anyone else lived with 2+ people who are related (ie: they are twins/brothers)? Did you ever have any problems with splitting costs like food or parking lol?


Just a couple of the loose ends I need to get figured out before signing the lease...

[05AccordV6]

I think your thinking is spot on, if they don't see it that way, it would be a major concern for me, but again I am 100% on board with your thinking, your splitting rent, and they are splitting one half of the rent (so they are paying 1/4 each).  I think they can afford to pony up $37.50 each extra to split the third parking space.

[suleman_manji]

youre right; they should be paying for that extra spot since they together decided to split that one extra room.

if they try to make you pay a portion of that extra space... make them split the entire rent into thirds instead of them splitting the extra half.

[Icebox]

youre right; they should be paying for that extra spot since they together decided to split that one extra room.

if they try to make you pay a portion of that extra space... make them split the entire rent into thirds instead of them splitting the extra half.

i fully agree with this statement you shouldnt accumulate extra expenses for their benefit; all utilities, food, and extras should be split three ways so you dont end up paying for a portion of what they are using.

[ibcnunv]

That spot is yours!!!  I wouny not even think about giving it up because you are the one paying the majority of the over head rent.  I would have even taken the larger room.

How is the lease being singed?  With all parties names and info or just yours?

[CrackerTeg]

I have to agree with other statements made. Honestly, why not split everything 3 ways? There's 3 tenants so why not? They'll be making out like bandits compared to you since they would only pay a quarter rent each. Make it fair. And like Piero said, how is the lease being signed? If its only you, have it rewritten. If they back out later, it leaves you with the whole bill.

[Mike]

I have to agree with other statements made. Honestly, why not split everything 3 ways? There's 3 tenants so why not? They'll be making out like bandits compared to you since they would only pay a quarter rent each. Make it fair. And like Piero said, how is the lease being signed? If its only you, have it rewritten. If they back out later, it leaves you with the whole bill.

+1 I would not split the rent that way unless you are getting exactly what you want. The bigger room, your own bath room, and a parking spot. At the end of the day you are paying 50% of the rent while they are paying 25%.

[unclejud49348]

Make sure to have this discussion with your potential roommates before you sign any kind of contract. My opinion is that they (the twins) should have to pay for the 3rd parking spot.

Because:
A: If they weren't splitting a room, then it would just be you and another person and you would have enough parking spots.
B: You shouldn't have to pay more for YOUR rent because there isn't enough parking spaces provided for THEM.

Just my .02

[v6sicksspeed]

i think that one of those spaces is def yours.  they're already getting the better end of the deal with the apartment (even though they're sharing a room, it doesnt sound like they mind at all).  i would have thought that'd be more like a 60/40 split (you pay 40, they pay 30/30 for rent), but that's just me.  your def in your rights to ask for one of those parking spots.

[Lemonjelly]

I'd DEF agree, the spot is yours. I also think everything should be split 3 ways. You are taking the smaller room with the public bathroom, why should you have to pay the same amount as them when they have the bigger room and private bathroom.

[status]

its yours just make sure you talk now rather than after you sign the lease

[mnkyman]

thanks for all the input guys. Ya I talked with them and they are going to cover the third spot. Rent will still stay 50/50...I'm fine with that...looking at the floorplan the rooms+closet are the same size, its just that the smaller bedroom has a walk in closet and the bigger one has the closet going across the back wall, so that room is a foot longer (which they need to be able to fit two full beds in there). The private bath, although nice, isn't a deal breaker. According to the floor plan, "my" bathroom has a door that opens into the bedroom and one that opens into the main apartment (although I don't remember this from the tour lol) so I could just close the outer door and make it a pseudo private bathroom.

We also agreed that we would split general food items (milk,bread,etc...) 3 ways and that if anyone wanted to buy something else, they would just mark it as theirs.

[CrackerTeg]

That sounds good about what you worked out Sam, but what about the name on the lease? Is it going to be three names, or one of you guys?

[mnkyman]

all three and both of our parents are gaurantures (sp?), so we would each only have half liability if we decided to flake on the apartment

[suleman_manji]

the floorplan you just described reminds me of my friends apt. up in cs. weird haha