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Splitting Utilities and Internet With Roommates: A Practical Guide
Utilities cause more roommate arguments than rent because the amount changes every month. Here's how to keep it simple.
Default: split equally
For electricity, gas, water, trash and internet, an equal split is the norm. Measuring each person's usage isn't practical, and the differences usually even out.
When to adjust
- Someone works from home: they use more heating, cooling and power during the day. 55/45 or 60/40 is common.
- Partner who stays over a lot: count them as part of a person, for example 1.5 shares for that room, using custom shares.
- Big individual devices: a space heater, a gaming PC or an aquarium can justify a flat monthly extra.
- Someone away for a month: many households still split equally for internet and base charges.
Internet and streaming
Split internet equally. With streaming, only the people who use it should pay, so untick the others on that bill.
Who holds the accounts?
Spread the accounts out: one person has electricity, another has internet. That way no one is fronting all the money, and Billsplitly's settle-up nets it all into a few payments.
A monthly routine that works
- Pick a "bills day", such as the 1st.
- Each account holder enters what they paid.
- Share the Billsplitly link in your group chat.
- Everyone pays within 3 days.
Avoid late fees
Set up autopay on every account and settle up after the bill is paid, so no one waits on anyone else.