Hi there! I really just need some clarity on this situation. So any advice is really helpful.
So to set the stage, Me (Marie, 22F), my girlfriend (Aspen, 21F), and our roommate (Mia, 20F) have lived in a 2 bed 2 bathroom apartment in our college town since April. It’s in a decent neighborhood and rent is about $1,400 a month plus utilities. We split rent 3 ways, but because I make a little bit more money I pay a little more. So the split usually ends of being 500/450/450 and utilities equally.
The conflict is that Mia feels that she shouldn’t pay rent when she isn’t here during school breaks. So over the summer (June-August) she didn’t pay rent or utilities, but her stuff was still here. Aspen and I didn’t want to make it a fight, so we just payed the rent and left it alone.
However, now that Christmas break is coming up, she texted our group chat and said she doesn’t think she should pay rent for December because she is going home on the 13th and won’t be back till January 15th. I don’t think that it’s fair though because again, her stuff is here, it’s still her apartment.
I understand that it might be difficult for her because she won’t be working over the break, but that’s not my fault. Aspen and I also have money issues (vet bills, car maintenance, etc) and I don’t think she should be able to just pick and choose when she pays.
So Reddit, WIBTA if I made her pay rent?
If that’s her mailing address and her stuff is there, she pays rent. That’s like having a car payment and telling the bank that you shouldn’t have to make payments if you don‘t drive the car. Ridiculous.
The issue is that she’s taking up the room and if she weren’t there, you’d have a different roommate paying rent. You could conceivably let her slide on paying utilities if you wanted a compromise, since she‘s not there to use the water/power, but I wouldn‘t.
Edit for judgement – NTA.
NTA – this is not how the world works.
Why should you and Aspen pay Mia’s portion of the rent when she’s not there?
What if all three of you went home for winter break? Would no one be obligated to pay rent? I’m sure the landlord would love that.
Mia’s request is absurd.
I don’t think she should have to pay rent. She can take her stuff with her, and get a new apartment or roommates every time she comes back for school. Problem solved./s
This! Mortgage is due whether you’re on vacation or not. Shocking that someone this age doesn’t realize this. She’s probably used to her parents softening the blow of life expenses.
Tell Mia she is free to stop paying rent for any time period, as long as all of her belongings are removed from the apartment during those times. As long as her stuff is still there, she is still on the hook for rent.
And any mail addressed to her will be returned.
NTA- that’s a lot of entitlement. Tell her to move her stuff out so you can rent it to someone else while she’s away or else she pays rent.
Tell her thats not how it works. If she lived alone, no landlord is going to give 2 shits if shes gone for the holidays, the rent will still be expected. I travel a lot for work, doesn’t mean I get to stop paying my bills when I’m gone.
Your roommate doesn’t understand the difference betweem mommy’s house and renting. Or she’s just a chancer (mooch). You need to tell her.
NTA
I would also make her pay you guys back for the summer months that she didn’t pay
NTA. she doesn’t seem to understand how rent works. Explain to her, she’s free to stop paying rent as soon as she moves out and takes all her stuff.
My sister had a similar issue that was solved with a text that said “where can we put your stuff? We’re renting out the room otherwise we’re short on rent”
No discussion, no question on what works best for them. You’re going to be gone for multiple months? Stuff is under my care now, where do you want it? Friends house? Parents? Have them come get it
Yes, tell her to take her stuff with her or put it into storage as you’re putting the room out for short term rentals on AirBnb etc while she’s left you short for the month.
>We’re renting out the room otherwise we’re short on rent”
This, except it’s:
“You’re finding someone to take the room on a short-term sublet and, if you can’t, it’s your responsibility.”