How to work out bills in a house share

Agree each person’s share of the household bills, record who paid and subtract each person’s share from what they paid. Split calculates these balances as you add expenses. Questions

Agree a rule for each household cost before the bills arrive. You might divide broadband equally, adjust rent for different rooms and keep personal purchases separate. Record who paid each bill so you can calculate the amount each flatmate owes.

Set up the household bills

  1. Agree the shares

    Use the rent calculator if you want to compare room sizes. Decide separately how to split utilities and shared shopping.

  2. Decide who pays each bill

    Check due dates and make sure the person paying has the money in time. Recording a share in Split does not change responsibility to the supplier.

  3. Record the bills and payments

    Add each expense under whoever paid it. At the end of the month, check the balances together and record repayments.

When a standing order works well

If each person pays the same amount every month, standing orders can cover the regular bills. Review the amount when costs change. A shared room is useful for variable bills and purchases paid by different flatmates.

Room size and income

Room size is one possible basis for rent. A private bathroom, storage or different incomes may also affect what the household agrees. Use the rent split calculator to compare shares, then record the amounts everyone accepts.

Good to know

Peanut Split is free to use and has no paid tier.

Pay each other by cash, bank transfer or another method you agree on, then record the payment in Split. Split does not move money or check with your bank.

Create a room for household bills

Share a room link so everyone can add expenses. No account or download required.

Start a split

Questions

How do you work out bills in a house share?
Agree each person’s share of the household bills, record who paid and subtract each person’s share from what they paid. Split calculates these balances as you add expenses.
Who should the accounts be in the name of?
Agree who will manage each bill and make sure they can pay it by the due date. The household’s arrangement in Split does not change the account holder’s responsibility to the supplier.
Should one flatmate pay less because they earn less?
The household can agree an income-based adjustment if everyone is comfortable with it. The rent calculator lets you adjust the division and compare the resulting amounts.