Roommate disputes: who is right?
Who ate your leftovers? Whose dishes have been soaking since Tuesday? The fridge is now a crime scene.
Sharing a home means sharing a fridge, a sink and a thermostat with someone whose standards are not yours. The court hears more roommate cases than any other kind. It usually rules on who owned the thing, who used the shared space, and whether anyone said something at the time.
- Both at fault
Should roommates split wifi equally?
Yes, unless the household agreed otherwise when the plan was chosen. A roommate who demands a faster plan for personal use pays the difference.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Should the roommate with the bigger room pay more rent?
Yes, in most households. A bigger room, a private bathroom or a walk-in closet is worth more, and the rent split should reflect it.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Is it rude to have guests over without asking your roommate?
One friend for coffee needs no notice, but a group in shared space does. A text the day before is the minimum, and a weeknight raises the bar.
Read the ruling - Guilty
How long can you leave laundry in a shared washer?
Clothes should come out within an hour of the cycle ending. After that, a roommate may move them to a basket, but not onto the floor.
Read the ruling - Both at fault
Who should clean the bathroom in a shared apartment?
A shared bathroom is cleaned in turns, on a schedule both roommates can see. Waiting for the other person to give in first is not a schedule.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Who should buy toilet paper in a shared apartment?
Shared basics are bought in turns, and whoever uses the last roll replaces it. Three last rolls in a row is a pattern, not bad luck.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Can my roommate's partner basically live here without paying?
A guest who stays most nights is a resident in all but rent. The court sets the line at about four nights a week.
Read the ruling - Guilty
How long can dishes soak in the sink before it counts as leaving them?
One night is soaking. After that, the court treats the dish as abandoned in a shared space.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Is it OK to use your roommate's shampoo?
Only in an emergency, and only if you say so the same day. Regular use without asking is taking, even a little at a time.
Read the ruling - Guilty
Is it rude to eat your roommate's leftovers?
Yes. Food in a shared fridge belongs to the person who put it there, and a name on the container removes any doubt.
Read the ruling - Not guilty
Is it wrong to play music without headphones in a shared apartment?
No, not during the day at a reasonable volume. Shared homes come with some noise, and the court does not ban music in the afternoon.
Read the ruling - Both at fault
Who should take out the trash when it's full?
Without a schedule, whoever adds to a full bin takes it out. Pressing the trash down to make room counts as adding to it.
Read the ruling
Other kinds of disputes
Think you're right? Take them to court 🏠
Tell the court what happened. Your first two cases are free, and the other side can defend themselves.