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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if this is fair?

78 replies

SunkenDrunky · 01/08/2016 13:25

Moving into a flatshare, two rooms on offer and up to me and flatmate to sort prices. One v big with balcony and nice room; one with en-suite bit equivalent floor space (so smaller bedroom area but still big). Flatmate wants to pay same price for en-suite and I don't really want en-suite so have agreed...

Is this fair?

OP posts:
BillyNotQuiteNoMates · 01/08/2016 15:00

How did you all agree the price of the other two bedrooms? What do they have going for them?

Original poster
SunkenDrunky · 01/08/2016 15:02

The other two bedrooms are smaller and I agree with the pricing. My flatmate would not be keen to pay more for en-suite. And I feel like now we have agreed I can't approach it again really.

OP posts:
davos · 01/08/2016 15:08

Juliet balconies are pointless.

have to say I agree. I have two. Nice in summer, but pointless

logosthecat · 01/08/2016 15:08

For me, it would depend a bit on the situation.

If I had a friend I knew was struggling financially, I'd probably be willing to pay a bit more for the balcony room to surreptitiously help out. A bit like how you try to get an extra round or pay for lunch with a friend who earns less than you, to even it out! Smile However, if they were rolling in wealth and just being tight, I think I'd suggest a small amount extra each month (and be willing to pay it myself to swap).

I realise this probably seems like a bonkers approach, it's just what I would do personally.

DryIce · 01/08/2016 15:10

If you can't re-approach it, what is the point of stressing about it now - you'll only become resentful if you decide you are hard done by!

As it is, just enjoy your bigger room. And Juliet balconies aren't as good as real balconies, but there is something nice about opening the full length window. Put an armchair next to it and enjoy your reading nook!

Original poster
SunkenDrunky · 01/08/2016 15:11

Neither of us are rolling in wealth, we've both got good jobs and probably earn about the same. But surely it's just about paying a fair price? We're not yet close friends, more friendly acquaintances right now

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 01/08/2016 15:12

Well, if she thinks they're worth the same amount, she wouldn't mind swapping, would she?

Think of the mornings, when three of you are trying to get ready for work in one bathroom and she's got her bathroom to herself.

You just need to be brave and say something like, "I've been thinking about the en suite - I just don't think the two rooms are worth the same amount. Rooms with en suites go for a lot more in other rentals and I don't want to share with the other girls but pay the same price as I would for an en suite room."

If she argues, she can have the non-en suite room.

ImperialBlether · 01/08/2016 15:13

The thing is, she has no-one to complain to. The other two lodgers would want an en suite, too, so she can't really complain that you're being unreasonable.

RosieSW · 01/08/2016 15:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

LikeIGiveAFrock · 01/08/2016 15:18

She should pay more as she has extra facilities

Original poster
SunkenDrunky · 01/08/2016 15:21

I have had my bluff called though because flatmate has said although they won't mind taking the en-suite (they want to have their partner to stay regularly too), they are just as happy to have my room.

OP posts:
flumpybear · 01/08/2016 15:21

Hhmmmm I'd probably suggest the one with the en suite pays a little
More if she insisted on this room, but if it was just you both preferred these rooms then no I'd keep it the same
OR
You could swap after 6 months and vice versa another six months later - an old boyfriend used to do this with his flat mate

TempusEedjit · 01/08/2016 15:22

If you'd genuinely prefer the larger room then I wouldn't see the problem with paying the same for it as the ensuite. If the extra floor space is worth as much to you as the en suite is to her then why should she have to pay more when you're both getting your preference?

Alternatively if you do see the ensuite as a bonus then her paying more for it would be fair, I think that's pretty standard when house sharing. Say having thought about the reality of sharing a bathroom between three you'd prefer the ensuite if it's going to be the same price as the other room therefore toss a coin to agree who gets it?

YelloDraw · 01/08/2016 15:23

Well, if she thinks they're worth the same amount, she wouldn't mind swapping, would she

Agreed. Just say you've been thinking about it, and actually having your own bathroom is more valuable than a bigger room.

Do the housemates think an £X difference between the balcony and en suite room are reasonable, and does she want to swap or pay the extra?

RosieSW · 01/08/2016 15:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

TempusEedjit · 01/08/2016 15:25

Cross posted - seems floor space to you is worth the same as ensuite is to her (if not more) therefore it's fair to pay the same.

AcrossthePond55 · 01/08/2016 15:25

IMO, a private bath should always pay more, regardless of the size of the room. The benefit of not sharing a bathroom is much more than just having a larger room. I'd pay extra for a box room with private bath rather than a huge room without one.

Roussette · 01/08/2016 15:31

No, it is not fair to have them the same price. If that's the case, you need to tell her that you want the ensuite room!

Whoever said it doesn't matter, of course it does! Where my DD is, there are 4 bedrooms, they are all differently priced depending on size and amenities. (one has big ensuite and is most expensive, one is an attic room with not a lot of liveable space and is the cheapest.)

If they are similar size but one has an ensuite, I would imagine something like £425 and £500 for the one with bathroom. Think how great it is not to have to queue for the loo, shower etc of a morning, leaving late for work whilst waiting for flatmate to get out of shower etc! That's worth a lot in monetary terms IMHO

ImperialBlether · 01/08/2016 15:32

So she has a boyfriend who'll stay regularly? Is he going to contribute?

If the other three lodgers have boyfriends who'll stay, that would mean six people using a bathroom.

ohtheholidays · 01/08/2016 15:32

Of course the one with the en suite should pay more.It's nothing to do with the extra space for me,it's the fact that the extra room will use electricty,water,gas.
Over a year that would all add up to quite a bit.

I also can't imagine that anyone would think it fair for the one person with soul use of they're own bathroom and the only bath in the house to pay the same as the 3 other people in the house that all have to share a toilet and shower.

ImperialBlether · 01/08/2016 15:33

I think an en suite bedroom is almost like having your own little apartment within the house. That has to be worth more.

Dozer · 01/08/2016 15:36

Fairest would be for the en suite room owner to pay more.

ohtheholidays · 01/08/2016 15:37

Well then if she wouldn't pay more but has no problem with swapping rooms with you swap now whilst you have the chance Grin

IwannaSnorlax · 01/08/2016 15:41

I think ensuite should pay more.

MargaretCavendish · 01/08/2016 15:45

I have had my bluff called though because flatmate has said although they won't mind taking the en-suite (they want to have their partner to stay regularly too), they are just as happy to have my room.

Then just say yes? I can't really see the problem here. You have two options:

  1. Take the larger room at the price of £X
  2. Take the en suite at the price of £X

It seems like you might actually want option 3: the larger room at a price of less than £X. The thing is, that's not on the table. If she's said she's happy with either room you can't suddenly insist she keeps the en suite but pays extra for the privilege so that you can have a room that you're perfectly happy with for less than you were originally happy to pay for it.

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