Money – hardly any other topic causes tension faster in shared flats. And often not at all because someone is deliberately unfair, but because there is a lack of agreements, invoices are forgotten or it is simply not clear what “joint spending” means at all.

But good news: All this can be avoided. With a few simple routines and open conversations, the potential dispute becomes a system that simply runs – and even ensures that people understand each other better.

Here are five tips on how you can approach the topic of finances in your shared flat in a fair, transparent and relaxed way:

1. Set up a shared housing fund

A classic – but rightly so. Create a cash register or a joint account into which everyone pays a fixed amount each month. This can then be used to pay for typical community expenses such as toilet paper, cleaning agents or dishwasher tablets.

Whether the whole thing runs as a cash register in the kitchen or digitally via a group account is a matter of taste. The main thing is that it is comprehensible for everyone – and no one pays for it all the time.

2. Document expenses

What often leads to disputes: No one knows anymore who paid what. And suddenly 30 euros are missing, of which no one knows exactly where they have gone.

This is where a simple budget book or an app like Splitwise can help. In it, you can enter and divide all expenses – whether it’s the last week’s shopping or the new toilet brush.

This keeps everything transparent, fair – and discussions about “I already did last time…” omitted.

3. Clearly separate individual expenses

What belongs to the shared flat is a community matter. What you buy for yourself, just don’t. If you treat yourself to a vegan coconut chai – great. But it doesn’t belong on the WG bill.

Especially when it comes to food, it is worth making a clear agreement here: What is bought and eaten together, what is not? A simple solution: One compartment in the refrigerator for common items, the rest is private.

4. Financial check-ins: Regular

As with many shared flat topics, it helps to talk to each other regularly. Also about money.

Sit down together once a month or every two months, look at the common fund, discuss whether it still fits – and whether everyone feels comfortable with the current system. Maybe someone has less income right now or there is a major purchase pending.

Such conversations clarify a lot before it gets complicated.

5. Create a small emergency fund

The washing machine breaks. The Internet fails and the router has to be replaced. Or suddenly back payments flutter into the house.

If you create a small buffer together – maybe five to ten euros per person per month – you are prepared without one person suddenly having to advance everything.

It’s not about a lot of money, but about the feeling: We have thought along with you. And we catch each other.

Conclusion:

Finances do not have to be a powder keg for disputes. If you communicate openly, create clear systems and keep an eye on each other, the topic of money will even become something that creates trust – not destroyed.

And in the end, it’s not just about bills, but about everyone feeling seen and treated fairly in the shared flat.

Also when it comes to money.