Money Talks: I feel as though my housemate is ripping me off

This reader is footing the bill for household expenses like bin bags and toilet roll and the costs are adding up. How should she approach the situation?

It is important to share all household bills equally among housemates.

I feel like my housemate is ripping me off. Even though we are meant to share living costs, I end up paying for things like toilet paper and bin bags and it adds up! What should I do?

This letter brings me back to my own days of house sharing in Dublin in the 90’s – oh there was holy war! House sharing is tough, whether it is with friends, family members, or acquaintances. It can certainly bring its own trials and tribulations but when finances then enter the equation and the sharing or not sharing of bills as is the case here, it can lead to potentially awkward situations. If it is not addressed promptly and appropriately, this situation can sometimes have disastrous outcomes.