How to Split Bills Fairly with Flatmates in NZ

Living with flatmates is fun until the bills start rolling in. Splitting rent, utilities, and internet can quickly become a source of tension if not handled fairly.

Here’s how to keep it smooth and fair:

1️⃣ Agree on the Split Early

Decide upfront if bills will be split equally or proportionally (based on income or room size). Clear agreements prevent arguments later

2️⃣ Keep Everything Transparent

Share receipts and bills openly. Everyone should know what they’re paying for and when. Transparency builds trust.

3️⃣ Set Up a Shared Tracker

Use a spreadsheet, app, or Flatly to track expenses. This keeps everything in one place - no “I thought you paid that” moments

4️⃣ Automate Payments

Set reminders or automate recurring payments. Flatly can handle expense tracking and reminders, so late payments become a thing of the past.

5️⃣ Handle Late Payments Gracefully

Mistakes happen. If someone can’t pay on time, address it calmly and agree on a plan - avoiding blame keeps harmony.

6️⃣ Revisit and Adjust Life changes, incomes change, bills change. Check in every few months to make sure the split still feels fair for everyone.

💡 Pro Tip: Flatly makes splitting bills effortless in NZ flats - track all shared expenses, set reminders, and keep everyone accountable, all in one app. Less stress, more harmony.