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Splitting guide

How to split rent fairly when bedrooms aren't equal

Ross Nichols · FounderPublished Updated 2 min read

The master bedroom is bigger than the box room. Equal splits are unfair. Here's the math.

Most rent disputes between roommates aren't about money - they're about a bedroom that's clearly nicer than another bedroom going for the same price. The solution isn't to fight about it; it's to use a weighted split that everyone agrees on, write it in the group description, and never revisit it. Three approaches work: square-footage, market-rate, or harberger pricing. Pick one before signing the lease and the rest of the year takes care of itself.

Steps

  1. 01
    Measure each bedroom in square metres

    Use a tape measure or a phone measure app. Walk-in closets count for the bedroom they belong to; en-suite bathrooms count at 50%.

  2. 02
    Add common-space credit (typically 10–20%)

    Common spaces (living room, kitchen, hallway) are split equally regardless of bedroom size. So divide the rent into 'private space' (bedrooms) and 'shared space' (everything else). 80/20 is a reasonable default.

  3. 03
    Apply quality multipliers

    A bedroom with a window facing brick is worth less than one with a balcony. Multiply by 0.9–1.1 for objective quality differences. Don't try to weight by 'who likes it more' - keep it factual.

  4. 04
    Compute the per-room rent and add the equal-share common cost

    Each person pays: (private space % × 80% of rent) + (1/n × 20% of rent). Round to nearest €5 if it makes life easier.

  5. 05
    Document the split in your group description and stick to it

    Write: 'Anna 36% (master + balcony), Ben 32% (medium room), Cara 32% (small + en-suite credit)'. Never re-litigate mid-lease.

Worked example

Three roommates, €1,800 rent, three different bedrooms

Apartment is 90m² total. Bedroom A: 18m². Bedroom B: 14m². Bedroom C: 10m². Common: 48m². Private rent (80% of €1,800 = €1,440) divided by private m² (42) = €34.30/m². Anna (18m²) = €617.40. Ben (14m²) = €480.20. Cara (10m²) = €343. Plus €120 common (€360 ÷ 3). Final: Anna €737, Ben €600, Cara €463.

Once the ratio is set, log rent as a recurring expense in EvenRound using the 'shares' split mode. Whoever physically pays the landlord adds the expense each month; the others square up via Settle Up.

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