My roommate (28M) and I (33F) moved in together last summer. At the time, he agreed to pay $1,400 a month while I pay $1,200.
From the beginning, $1,200 was my budget. We found an apartment that we both really liked, but $1,300 was over-budget for me. I wanted to keep looking. But he really wanted the place and said he’d pay more.
To make it more fair, he took the better room: ours are both the same size but his has the only door in the apartment leading into our large balcony. That I’ve furnished with plants and seating, etc. My room does have a larger closet, but I’d argue balcony access is the better perk and at the time, he agreed.
I have a full-time job but he doesn’t. He moved back to NYC last summer with a $100,000 inheritance. I encouraged him to get a job, any job, but he didn’t want one. So all year, he lived off unemployment and hemorrhaged money while using his inheritance to supplement.
Well, now we’re re-signing the lease. His inheritance is almost gone and he still has no job. As I said, he hasn’t tried looking, though he finally is now.
He wants me to pay more of the rent. He sent a text asking:
“Do you think you could possibly swing more rent this next term for the sake of longevity of us both being able to afford living here for a possibly long time?”
My first instinct is no. I’ve worked really hard this year but my finances haven’t changed. I don’t make more than I did then. And it doesnt seem right I should put myself out (I’m struggling to pay back student loans thus the strict budget) when he’s mismanaged his money and CHOSEN not to have a job.
He has student loans too but doesn’t plan to pay them off—he thinks it’ll “go away” eventually and said he doesn’t need good credit because he doesn’t plan to buy property. Maybe not relevant, but further illustrates how he manages/views money.
Additionally, I’ve improved the apartment a lot. Planted an urban garden. Built shelves, refinished a large outdoor table and more. He hasn’t helped with anything. And he doesn’t clean much—he’s not been the best roommate though we are friends.
What should I do? I don’t want to be a jerk to my friend but it doesn’t seem like it’s my responsibility to pay more than I reasonably can.
Submitted June 11, 2021 at 09:59AM by lcbad55100 https://ift.tt/3vlhx8I
