To ask her to pay half?

[Rosmarin]

I'm a student and so this may seem like splitting hairs to some but it's a lot of money for me.

Another girl is taking over my room soon, flat of three. Landlords will only allow us to do an 'Assignment' (not start new tenancy) which will cost me £120, and if I don't pay it I'm responsible for rent payment and damages until the tenancy expires in December - so not at option. She needs to be in the flat earlier than I want to move out so I'm moving out 2 months early and finding alternative accommodation (London, no car, no family near to help). I then have to move again after a couple of months for my year abroad, so it's very expensive and inconvenient for me to jump around.

Anyhow - I have asked flatmates and they agree it's fair to split the fee 50/50 with the new tenant. However, she's being difficult about it and will only pay me in cash at the end of the month, though she's pushing me to pay it tomorrow (has to be done before the 15th or it's delayed a month - though I think she can still move in). ( I don't know if I trust her to pay it, because the system with our landlord is that she'll give me the deposit money I paid, thus forming her deposit. I somewhat expect her to find things about the room to deduct money for... )

So am I being unreasonable to ask for a 50/50 split? And to ask for her to give me the money when I pay?

[joyjac]

She is the one pushing so she can pay upfront. Cheeky mare!

[Balsam]

Tell her you can't pay it until she gives you her half as you don't have it. Simples.

[FabbyChic]

She pays before you pay simple.

If she don;t like it she can find somewhere else to live.

[Besom]

Call her bluff a bit - if she wants to move in that desperately she'll presumably pay it.

[Rosmarin]

Yes, I think I'll push her to pay it now. If she is reticent now, she'll be worse in three weeks when she's already in the place (we're doing her a favour by letting her stay in another flatmate's room a week early...) and not dependent on me for getting in.