‘My roommate wants to split the cost of the pet deposit’

Money Manners is 9honey Money’s weekly column that deals with money etiquette matters that can be the cause of many an awkward encounter.
Submit your Money Manners questions to Jo Abi at [email protected]
This week’s question comes from a 9honey reader whose roommate has hit them up for an unexpected expense.
I’ve been living with my roommates for the past two years and we are all moving together at the end of this month. The apartment we were renting has been sold, but luckily we have found a three-bedroom unit a couple of streets away.
READ MORE: Aldi ‘steal’ that sold out instantly set to return to shelves 
My roommate got a cat while we were in our previous residence a year into our lease and got permission and everything. But for the new place, they want a pet deposit of $500 in addition to the usual deposit.
She has assumed we will be splitting this cost three ways, but my other roommate and I aren’t happy about this. It’s her cat, not ours, and spends most of its time in her room.
How do I approach this without upsetting her?
READ MORE: Margot Robbie’s ‘iconic’ next career move
This is completely unreasonable of her and needs to be addressed quickly and directly. Her pet is her responsibility, including all costs associated with it. End of story.
You guys are not in a relationship and are not family. You may be friends, but share house situations need strict rules.
READ MORE: The best tinted moisturisers for lazy makeup wearers
Don’t assume this will upset her. Just let her know that you and your other roommate aren’t happy to split the $500 pet deposit and that it is her responsibility as it is her cat. That also sets a good boundary for the future.
For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.
You shouldn’t have to pay for something that doesn’t belong to you and isn’t your responsibility.
I hope your roommate just accepts this and apologises for assuming you’d share the cost.
And you have all been living together for a while and clearly get along if you are moving together, so you have every reason to feel optimistic about her reaction.
The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.