The ‘Flatmate Wealth Gap’ Is Dividing UK Households

Following the recent (and upcoming) UK heatwaves, you might have considered buying an air conditioning unit. But if you live in a flatshare, that decision can be a little fraught.

According to shared accommodation site SpareRoom, “almost half” of those who share a flat earn less than £30,000, while 16% make £50,000 or more a year.

That imbalance can mean decisions like buying air conditioning – which involves not just a hefty upfront cost, but also higher electricity bills – can become a bit of a minefield.

It really depends on the flatmates. That said, SpareRoom’s research found that around 20% of respondents think the gap between their highest and lowest-earning flatmates is at least £20,000.

And 9% reckon the chasm is even bigger, at more than £30,000. These results come from a survey of 826 flat-sharers across the UK.

The site’s research found that “flatmate wealth gaps” cause friction for 43% of UK flatmates.

The top issues include energy and heating usage (77%); the amount each flatmate contributes to bills (52%) and communal items, like loo roll (48%); the fairest rent split (39%); and whether or not to get a cleaner (35%).

A renter, who did not wish to be named, said their flatmate’s experience of living in their shared accommodation is very different to their own.

Their flatmate’s dad is very wealthy, they told us, adding that their flatmate, who is currently living in another country, “is completely oblivious to real life”.

Meanwhile, another unnamed tenant said their wealthier former flatmate led them to lose their deposit due to permanent decorative changes they hadn’t been consulted on.

“They saw our deposit as a ‘decor tax,’” the renter shared.

SpareRoom’s director, Matt Hutchinson, said: “It used to be the case that a good salary would get you onto the housing ladder, or else renting alone or with a partner. But the cost of renting and living is now so high, sharing makes sense for people on higher incomes too.

“Sadly, it’s become much less viable to rent on a lower salary. We know from our analysis of SpareRoom users by age that younger adults, who generally earn less, are being priced out of the rental market altogether…

“But as our survey shows, wage gaps in flatshares can also be the root cause of household arguments if outgoings aren’t sensitively managed,” he added.

Hutchinson suggested sitting down as a household to discuss the fairest way to split rent, bills, and shared expenses, so that most of you are happy with the split. Communication, as ever, is key.