Shared facilities

[AngieB69]

Hi, I live in a converted barn and share an oil tank for water and central heating with the barn next door. We were both single until a few weeks ago but now her boyfriend is living with her. I will be topping up the oil soon, is it unreasonable to ask her to make a bigger contribution to the cost. Appreciate another view

It depends entirely what sort of agreement you have and how this bizarre situation came about. I can't imagine sharing heating costs with my neighbours!

But surely she wouldn't be using more heating just because there is another person there? Water perhaps, but you heat the house not the person...

YABU, he may not make much of a difference to the bills. Surely you need to wait and see what any increase would be before you go in all guns blazing?

Wasn't going to go in with 'all guns blazing' just interested in another opinion, so thank you...

@loobyloo1234

YABU, he may not make much of a difference to the bills. Surely you need to wait and see what any increase would be before you go in all guns blazing?

FFS, how is the OP asking a questions going in all guns blazing I honestly picture some MNers just going about their lives like tornados "kicking off" left right and centre - so many seem incapable of approaching anything in a calm manner.

Bloody hell! I’ve never heard of sharing a heating oil tank with a neighbour and would avoid like the plague!

@GlummyMcGlummerson

is it unreasonable to ask her to make a bigger contribution to the cost

I was replying to this. So yes, it is U as she doesnt even know what difference he'll make yet. Im sure the neighbour is well aware she'd have to pay more but to ask before anyone knows what the increase is, seems to be jumping the gun a bit

There was absolutely no indication the OP would go in all guns blazing though

What's the agreement currently to stop one of you taking advantage? Use that if you have one.

If not, I'd work out average use per litre (or whatever volume you buy by) for each hour of heating or 15 minutes of hot water running. Keep a tally for the duration of the next tank to see how much time you use the heating/hot water for then you'll have a decent idea about your % of usage just by jotting down the honest use of your heating/hot water.

That would give you a factual basis on which to start a conversation about changing payment ratios...if required - you might find that despite being a person alone in the property you're using the heating more than they are so the hot water usage balances out.

I suspect not, if the agreement is that the costs are shared between the two houses. If it’s an informal agreement 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you for your reply's...I will certainly bear all in mind 👍

Get meters fitted into each of your houses so that you’re both only paying for what you’re using. Having a shared tank for separate households is ridiculous.