Who's Right?Flatmates: who should buy the toilet paper?
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In short
There's no rule: it's up to flatmates to sort it out between themselves. The fairest approach is to split the cost equally, through a shared kitty or a rota written down somewhere, rather than leaving it to the same person every time.
Both sides
Since the start of the academic year, I'm always the one buying toilet paper. I notice when we're down to the last roll, and nobody else seems to. One pack isn't expensive, but after three months it adds up. Mostly, I'm tired of being the only one who thinks about it. I'd like us to take turns.
I had no idea it bothered Inès, she never mentioned it. I often buy the bin bags, the washing-up liquid and the sponges without asking anyone. To me, it all evened out. And I go back to my parents' place almost every weekend, so I use less of it. I'm happy to chip in, but I don't want us counting every single roll.
The verdict
Inès is mostly right. Toilet paper is a basic that everyone uses, and when nothing has been agreed, the unspoken rule in a flatshare is to share. If one person always handles it, that isn't fair, even for a small amount. And the mental load of remembering counts as much as the money.
Lucas does have a real point: he contributes in other ways, with other household supplies. The trouble is that nobody knew. Purchases no one sees don't balance anything out in other people's eyes. His weekend argument is weaker: with something this ordinary, working out who uses more creates more tension than it solves.
Inès would also have done better to speak up sooner, instead of letting frustration build for weeks. The real issue here isn't toilet paper, it's the lack of a clear system.
The compromise
Tonight, list your shared supplies (toilet paper, bin bags, washing-up liquid, sponges) and set up either a shared kitty or a shared expenses sheet. Whoever opens the last pack adds it to the shopping list, and everyone settles up at the end of each month.
Who do you think is right?
Pick a side.
Frequently asked questions
Should flatmates split shared shopping equally?
For things everyone uses, like toilet paper or washing-up liquid, an equal split is the simplest and fairest option. Food usually stays individual, unless you decide to cook together.
How do you organise buying household supplies in a flatshare?
The two methods that work best are a shared kitty, where everyone pays in the same amount each month, and an expenses sheet, where you log everything and balance it out. What matters is that everyone can see it.
My flatmate never buys anything. How do I bring it up?
Pick a calm moment and stick to facts, not blame: "Over the last three months, I've bought every pack." Suggest a concrete solution straight away, it's much easier to accept than a complaint on its own.
Should a flatmate who's often away pay less?
For small everyday items, it's best not to go down that road, as it quickly leads to arguments. If someone is away for long, regular stretches, you can discuss adjusting things, as long as everyone agrees.
Guide Disputes between friends: the guide
Written with the help of AI, reviewed by the Who's Right team · This is not legal advice. How Who's Right decides
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