Living in a shared house usually means you will sign a ‘joint tenancy agreement’. This will make you jointly liable for any breaches of the contract, including damage to the property or rent arrears.
In theory this means that if one of your flatmates moves out without settling all the money they owe for rent and/or bills, you may be legally required to make good on their debt.
Make sure all flatmates set up standing orders so that rent is paid on time, every month. Consider setting up a separate house account for bills that everyone pays a set amount of money into every month. Use any excess funds in this account for a house treat – a night out for example.
In the event that a flatmate moves out without paying everything they owe, keep calm. Speak to your agent or landlord, and if possible the absent flatmate, to discuss any outstanding amounts owed.
