Including utilities such as water, electricity and internet can sometimes cause friction amongst communal housing
Including bills in rent or not, is what we will discuss here.
Most tenants will ask to have bills included in their rent payments. It makes it easier to budget, no doubt. If each individual paid bills in the house, that could become a big problem in the household because this would put each person pitting against the other if and when bills were divided.
In this article, I will try to go into detail about the pros and cons of each side of the coin.
What bills are we talking about?
Bills usually consist of water and electricity, which usually include heating and hot water, as well as the internet. To most landlords, the internet is a fixed cost, so no matter how much data you use, the price is the same. But other bills such as water and electricity can prove to be a big headache for most landlords, which is based on the usage of each individual. And this usage, depending on the person, can be responsible, normal usage, or excessive usage, such as taking extra long showers, using the washing machine every day for one or two garments, and leaving the heater on endlessly in the winter without care for the landlord or for the parents that are paying the bills.
This fall in 2023 a letter to each tenant will be sent regarding energy usage:
Dear Guest,
As we approach one of the meanest winters of this century concerning energy bills, I wanted to reach out to each one of you.
Upon home visits, I have seen firsthand, how some of you use the washing machine with just a few garments inside on 3-hour cycles... I have also seen from the street how some of you leave lights on and are not even at home. I have also seen how you use heaters, leaving the doors sometimes open and going to the kitchen for a meal… The rest, I can only guess…
This winter will be a test, a test to see whether it is economically feasible, the home you are at, stays on the market for short-term rentals with bills included. Some may think “why should I care, I am going home in 3 months, and I´m paying with bills included, right”? Well to answer that, there are your friends and classmates that may come to Porto and not find a room, and/or the price will be so high, it will be unrealistic. I remind you again, this is not a hotel nor Airbnb situation or you would be paying AT LEAST 4-5 times more...
It is my goal here to shed some light on the energy crisis and give you some tips:
- Washing Machine: Use cold or warm water, shorter cycles, and with a full load.
- Take shorter showers.
- Brushing your teeth or shaving: Turn off the water in between.
- Dress appropriately: wear sweaters and sweats at home and only use the heater when needed. Your skin will thank you.
- Ask for extra blankets and I will get you.
- If you see a light on, turn it off.
- Never leave your heater unattended.
And finally, if there is a spike in energy costs, over the previous averages, be prepared to pay extra.
If you have any ideas to improve energy efficiency in your room or home, let me know.
In the end, as landlord, I prefer to include the bills for various reasons. Firstly, if bills were not included, it would put the housemates at each other. They will ultimately argue with each other, for instance, one who always has the heater on while the other doesn’t even like using the heater at all. Or there is the one that traveled for 3 weeks last month and still has to share the bills with everyone else. That person will feel that the system is unfair. Then there will be those that ultimately argue with the landlord over maybe a 5 euro surcharge because maybe it was miscalculated on his part or the meter count was misread. It basically comes down to there being friction in the air. Thus it is preferable that everyone has their bills included in the rent, so long is there is reasonable usage, which can be compared to previous years.
Why Living With the Landlord Isn’t Always the Best Idea When Renting a Room
Renting a room in someone’s home can seem like a practical, budget‑friendly solution—especially in competitive housing markets. On paper, it offers lower rent, fewer upfront costs, and a more “homey” environment. But once you look beyond the surface, sharing a living space with the landlord often comes with complications that many renters don’t anticipate. What feels like a simple arrangement can quickly turn into a situation where boundaries blur, privacy shrinks, and the power dynamic becomes uncomfortably one‑sided.
Below are some of the most common reasons why living with the landlord may not be the ideal setup.
1. Your Privacy Is Limited by Default
Even with the most respectful landlord, you’re still living in their home. That means:
They may feel entitled to know where you are, what you’re doing, or who you bring over.
You might feel watched or judged simply because they’re always around.
Everyday activities—cooking, relaxing, having guests—can feel monitored.
Privacy is one of the biggest sacrifices in this arrangement, and it’s often underestimated until you’re already living there.
2. The Power Dynamic Is Unequal
When your landlord is also your housemate, the balance of power is inherently skewed:
They set the rules, and you’re expected to follow them.
They may enforce “house norms” that aren’t written in the rental agreement.
Disagreements can feel risky because they control your housing.
This imbalance can make it difficult to advocate for yourself, request repairs, or negotiate anything without worrying about jeopardizing your living situation.
3. Boundaries Can Be Blurry or Inconsistent
In a typical rental, the relationship is clear: you’re the tenant, they’re the landlord. But when you share a home:
The line between “tenant” and “guest” can get fuzzy.
Landlords may treat the arrangement casually—until it suits them not to.
You may be expected to adapt to their lifestyle, routines, or preferences.
This lack of structure can create tension, especially if expectations weren’t clearly defined from the start.
4. Social Compatibility Isn’t Guaranteed
Even if the landlord seems friendly during the viewing, living together is a different story. You might discover:
They’re more controlling than they appeared.
Their habits clash with yours—noise, cleanliness, schedules, pets, etc.
They expect more social interaction than you’re comfortable with—or none at all.
Unlike choosing a roommate, you don’t get equal say in shaping the household dynamic.
5. You May Have Less Freedom in Your Own Home
Many landlords impose restrictions that wouldn’t exist in a standard rental, such as:
No guests or overnight visitors
Limited kitchen use
Curfews or “quiet hours” that suit their lifestyle
Restrictions on heating, laundry, or shared spaces
These rules can make you feel like you’re living in someone else’s space rather than your own home.
6. Conflicts Become Personal Very Quickly
In a normal rental, issues are handled professionally. When you live with the landlord:
Small annoyances can escalate because you see each other constantly.
There’s no buffer between personal and contractual disagreements.
You may feel pressure to avoid conflict entirely, even when something is unfair.
This can create a tense or uncomfortable atmosphere that affects your daily life.
7. Moving Out Can Be Awkward or Stressful
Ending the arrangement isn’t as simple as returning keys. You’re leaving someone’s home, and that can lead to:
Emotional reactions
Awkwardness during the notice period
Pressure to stay longer or leave sooner
Potential disputes over deposits or damages
The personal nature of the relationship can make the transition more complicated than it needs to be.
Final Thoughts
Living with a landlord can work for some people, especially if the landlord is respectful, boundaries are clear, and expectations are aligned. But for many renters, the loss of privacy, the unequal power dynamic, and the potential for conflict outweigh the financial benefits.
A home should be a place where you feel comfortable, autonomous, and free to live your life. When you share that space with the person who controls your tenancy, achieving that balance becomes much harder.
If you’re considering this type of rental, go in with your eyes open—and don’t underestimate the value of having a space that’s truly your own.
