Problems with flatmates

If you have a dispute, there are steps you can take to resolve things. If a flatmate owes money for rent or bills, there are ways to get the money back.

If a flatmate stops paying rent

What you need to do depends on the tenancy agreement you have.

If you have an individual tenancy, keep paying your rent as usual. Your landlord cannot charge you for a flatmate's missing rent.

If you’re on a joint tenancy, each tenant is equally responsible for all the rent. This is called joint and severable liability. This means if one tenant has not paid their share of the rent, you and the other flatmates will be responsible for it.

If a flatmate is not paying their rent in a joint tenancy, talk to your landlord and explain the situation.

If you can, cover the missing rent between the other tenants to avoid going into rent arrears. Then try to get the money back from the tenant who has not paid.

Getting money back from a flatmate

You can claim the money if you cover a flatmate’s rent or bills and they do not pay you back.

First, write to them. Explain why they owe you money, and say how much they owe. Keep a copy of the letter or email you send. You’ll need to show that you tried to resolve it before going to court.

If they still refuse to pay, you can claim the money back in court. You can apply using simple procedure to claim back up to £5,000.

Check Citizens Advice guidance on simple procedure.

How to handle a dispute with a flatmate

There are different options you can use to try to resolve a dispute.

Speak to the person

Only do this if you feel safe doing so. Never put yourself in danger by confronting someone. You can ask a trusted family member or friend to be with you for support.

Explain what impact their behaviour has on you. Try to reach a compromise that works for both of you.

Suggest a practical solution

Many conflicts in a flatshare have a practical solution. For example you could:

• make a cleaning rota

• create a pot for shared costs such as cleaning supplies

• give each flatmate a dedicated space in the food cupboards, fridge or freezer for their food

• use food labels so nobody takes another flatmate's food

• put locks on bedroom doors - make sure your landlord is happy with this first

Speak to your landlord

They may be able to speak to the flatmate for you, or help you come to a compromise.

Try to get all the tenants to agree with speaking to the landlord to avoid further disputes.

Ask the person to go to mediation

This is led by a mediator who is an independent professional. They’ll help you come to a compromise with your flatmate. It’s not a legally binding decision, but it can help you find a solution to your problem.

Find a mediator on Scottish Mediation.

Find another home

A flatmate cannot evict you or make you leave your home.

If you cannot compromise with them, the easiest thing may be to decide to move out. Do not move out until you have somewhere else to go. Check our advice on finding a new place to live.

Make sure you end your tenancy correctly. Otherwise, you may still be liable for bills and rent, even if you move out. Check our advice on how to end your tenancy correctly.

If you're being threatened or harassed by a flatmate

Harassment is when someone repeatedly behaves in a way that causes you alarm or distress. It can be verbal or physical.

It could be harassment if your flatmate is:

• bullying, intimidating or threatening you

• invading your privacy, for example by entering your room without permission

• vandalising or misusing your property

• making antisocial noise to affect you, such as playing loud music late at night

If you or someone else in your flat is in danger, call the police on 999 to report it. If you’re reporting something that happened before or you’re worried could happen later, call them on 101.

If you're not safe in your home

If you're not safe and have nowhere else to go, you can make a homeless application to the council. You do not have to be living on the streets to be homeless.

Check our advice on making a homeless application.