How do you budget for shared housing?

• Base rent. Split by room size and amenities, not just down the middle. See how to split rent fairly.
• Deposits. Check which deposits are permitted for your location and tenancy, any amount limits, and protection or return requirements. Record who paid each amount; do not assume one month's rent is the rule.
• Rent before move-in. Confirm what can legally be requested, when it is due, and which rental period it covers before budgeting for advance rent.
• Moving costs. Truck, boxes, cleaning supplies, and any new furniture. Split shared items equally.

For a home in England, read the government's Tenant Fees Act guidance for tenants and check whether it covers your arrangement. Elsewhere, use the relevant local housing authority or tenant advice service; payment rules differ by jurisdiction and tenancy type.

Beyond rent, plan for electricity, gas, water, internet, and renters insurance. These are usually split evenly per person, but agree on the method before the first bill arrives.

• Internet: agree on speed and provider before signing up.
• Electricity and gas: estimate seasonal swings — summer AC and winter heating can double costs.
• Water and trash: often included in rent, but confirm.
• Renter's insurance: covers your belongings and sometimes liability. It's cheap and worth it.

• Cleaning supplies. Toilet paper, dish soap, trash bags, paper towels. Set a monthly shared-supply budget.
• Shared furniture and kitchenware. Who buys what, and who keeps it when someone moves out.
• Guest costs. If one roommate has a partner over constantly, do they contribute more to utilities or groceries?
• Repair and replacement. A broken microwave or clogged drain — agree on a small joint emergency fund.

The best budget is the one you don't have to think about. Use a shared expense app to track who owes what. Set automatic reminders. Review spending together once a month — five minutes prevents hours of resentment.