Advice please: Houseshare, Internet bill. Am I being unreasonable?

Question

Two couples in a houseshare.
Two computers, one for each couple. Both couples pay half toward the Internet bill.

My girlfriend is leaving for her studies soon, leaving the three of us in the house - myself and the couple. We have agreed that all bills will be split 3 ways but the couple say that the Internet bill should stay as it is.

They argue that they use one computer between the two of them, and I use one computer, so the bill should stay half and half.

My argument is that the Internet is a service like the gas or electric and these are all shared equally, so we should all pay a third.

They have unlimited access to the internet, like they do with the gas, water, electric etc.
It is not my fault they have one computer between them.

What do you think?

In answer to all the fussy people who moan about equality - when we first moved in, everything was shared equally, through the four of us, so...
My opinion states that everything should still be shared equally, be it four, or three, or two, or just moi...

Why should I pay extra for a service that I already had, yet my housemates pay less...

If I went on holiday I would still pay rent even though I am not using my home.

They don't have a tv but still contributed to the tv licence because it's a bill - a service we chose to have, so what's the difference?

Our last bill was £160 (3 months worth). If we all paid equally, all our share would rise equally, if not, theirs stay the same and mine would double, for the same service I would use anyway. Is this fair?

For those saying why should the couple pay for my girlfriend's share of the bill - why should I pay my girlfriend's share of the bill?

They knew my girlfriend would be leaving before we moved in, and we agreed ALL bills would be shared equally.

Answer 1

First up, your girlfriend’s share of the bill doesn’t exist anymore because she is no longer there - therefore your increased bill should be split between the three of you, it’s the fairest way.

It is merely lucky/unlucky (how you look at it) that there were four of you when you moved in and the bill could be split equally in a sense that it was two couples.

It now seems that the couple still see themselves as a unit - as one. This isn’t the case, it is not you and them. It is you and two others.

The fact that there were four people, and now there are three is insignificant.
Likewise, the number of computers being used is insignificant. There could be two or ten, but computers don’t pay the bills. The people using the service do.

Consider that if, when you moved in, there was only the three of you to begin with, and you wanted the internet. I’m sure, before getting the service it would be agreed that the bill would be split three ways. If it was half for you and half for the couple, you would feel cheated (rightly so), and would probably not want to get the internet.

You mention that all bills are paid equally, a third each. Does this include the rent because if so then they seem happy enough to pay equally despite sharing a room. Why should the internet be any different?

The way I see it, is that they will use all utilities a great deal more than you will - water, gas, electric etc., but you will still pay a third of those bills.
They will spend more time sat at the computer together, than you would alone. Computers use electric.

Basically, it means that not only do they expect you to pay double for your internet while they pay the same amount as before, but you also have to pay a third of whatever electric they are using while on the damn thing!

I think you are getting a raw deal. If they want internet, they should pay for it, and if all of this was agreed before you moved in or got the service, then I think you have every reason to argue your case, regardless of how much money we are talking about.

But, I have to say it: £160 for three months internet! Change your supplier NOW!

Answer 2

Logically speaking, everyone should pay 1/3 -- unless you can establish how many hours per month everyone uses and divide the costs proportionately.
Since all other utilities are shared on a 1/3 proportional basis, this is the best solution.

It is strange that the other couple wants to pay the internet bill on a 50:50 basis. They are not asking you to pay 1/2 the other utilities - this inconsistency needs to be explained by them.

From a pragmatic point of view...
The amount of money may be pretty insignificant in the greater scheme of things, such has having to move, set up another household, pay all the bills by yourself, etc. How much does your former GF's share cost you, as a % of your monthly expense budget? Is it significant?

I would discuss this with them, and get agreement that all of the remaining bills will continue to be paid on a 1/3 - 2/3 basis. Otherwise, start looking for another place to live.

Finally, I still don't understand their position. Something else is going on.... They are being petty, so be the better person and rise above it.

Good luck in your situation.

Answer 3

Just went through the same thing at home, I live in a house with 4 of us and three of us have computers, We all use the internet and the guys without the computer tried the same arguement, That he doesn't own the computer so why should he pay for internet If he has to wait for one of us to let him use our computers.. We said the same thing He is still using the service, Just because he does not own the Hardware himself does not mean he should not pay for the net.. Look at an internet cafe for example, you pay for internet use and interet use alone.. regardless of if you walk in with your own laptop or use one of thier provided computers... So yes the service should be split 3 ways..

Answer 4

Go with the consensus. How much are you talking, 10 bucks? not worth it if you like these people.
If you have a problem dealing with this, move out and pay the whole bill yourself, as it's another alternative.
would you rather have them pay the same and be unhappy about it?
I know it seems like your being cheated, and I agree it's a greedy thing to do, but it's the path of least resistance.
Consider getting another roommate to share the cost!

Answer 5

I think that it should be half and half. If there were TWO computers between the two of them then it should be split 3 ways. Why should your roomates have to pick up the 3rd of the internet bill that your girlfriend used to pay??

Answer 6

Not being funny, but how much is your bill? I thought internet was like 20 quid a month (dont live in the UK anymore so I suppose it could be different now) so your arguing over saving 3 quid. just be the bigger man and say ok, then when you got down the pub do rounds and accidently leave just before yours, your even. But your all tight arses

Answer 7

If the bills were being split in quarters before thirds sounds like a good idea too.

Answer 8

If a squirrel got here as much as me on the counter and presented me a phony interest bill for some chips, i might individually purchase the danged issues for him! comparable if i presumed a guy or woman handing it to me became in extreme want for some foodstuff, yet i might grant something greater healthful. A bag of chips isn't something while in comparison with the soreness of starvation. yet, if attempting to tug a rapid shaggy dog tale, advantageous attempt, no chips for you! good one! thank you for the chortle! XD

Answer 9

how incredibly tight fisted can they get! But they are right.You can only use your computer and they can only use theirs, so its 50-50.
Be proactive, get yourself a wireless component, then go to them and say you dont want an internet connection anymore so they have to pay all of it. You can probably feed off your neighbours connection for free and these meanies will be left with the bill!!!

Answer 10

i think your right... it seems to me like they are saying that you should pay for your bit aswell as your gf's when she isnt gona be there to use the damn thing. maybe tell them that it WILL be split 3 ways and that if they like they can use your computer when your not using it or needing it and if that doesnt work tell them they can pay the whole bill themselves and you wont use it .... (i bet they wont do that if they are bitching over spliting the bill 3 ways) you should not pay for something that your not using. good luck