In a shared 3-bedroom flat in Lekki or Ikeja, one roommate occupies the spacious Master Bedroom with a walk-in closet and private en-suite bathroom. Another occupies the standard room, and a third occupies the smaller guest room with a shared external bathroom. When rent is due, the Master Bedroom naturally pays a higher percentage of the total rent (e.g. 45% vs 30% vs 25%).
But what happens when the ₦270,000 annual estate service charge and communal utility bills arrive? Should the Master Bedroom occupant pay more for the estate security guards and streetlights?
The Essential Principle: Space vs. Communal Value
The universal rule observed in modern property management is simple:
- Square Footage / Privacy affects RENT: The occupant of the Master Bedroom enjoys greater square footage, privacy, and personal luxury, which is already compensated for by their higher share of the landlord's annual rent.
- Communal Dues affect PEOPLE: The estate security guards at the barrier protect every occupant equally. The refuse truck takes garbage from the kitchen regardless of which bedroom it came from. The streetlights illuminate the road for all housemates equally.
- Therefore: Estate service charges should ALWAYS be divided equally per resident, regardless of room size.
When SHOULD a flatmate pay more?
There are two specific exceptions where a flatmate should contribute a higher share:
- Multiple Occupants in One Room: If a couple or two friends share the Master Bedroom, they count as two individuals consuming communal security, water, and waste. They should pay two shares of the service charge.
- Disproportionate Power Usage: If one housemate runs a dedicated 2.5HP air conditioner or server equipment 24 hours a day while others are away at work, the shared power token contribution should be adjusted accordingly.
Track fair splits on BreeUp BreeUp keeps co-living simple: bill each flatmate their share, and everyone gets their own receipt.
