Two-thirds of students argue with housemates over paying utility bills

More than two thirds of students encounter problems with housemates when trying to pay utility bills on time, according to recent research.

The research was carried out by James Harrison, CEO of utility bills company Easybills.

James Harrison, whilst researching in his final year of university, found that 68 percent of students found it difficult to get everyone to pay for group bills on time.

Of the students asked, 44 percent said that they had experienced arguments with housemates regarding the payment of bills.

Some Warwick students living in off-campus accommodation have experienced difficulties when paying utility bills with fellow housemates.

Siobhan Ruth Miller, a third- year Biomedical Science student, told the Boar, “During second year, my housemates would refuse to pay their share of the internet bill until I had paid it myself in full.

“This was a struggle, particularly when I didn’t have enough money in my account.

“It also didn’t help that my housemates would put off giving me the money until they conveniently forgot about it.”

A student, who would prefer not to be named, said: “There have been a few times when I have had to pester people to pay on time.

“In my last house, when no one paid, the electricity and the gas would cut off, and especially in winter when heating was at a premium, you want to make sure it does not happen.”

Adam Gayton, a fourth-year Law and Sociology student, said: “I’ve been really lucky. My housemates just organised bills at the start – everyone puts money in and we tend to put in more than we need – then it gets split up at the end of the year.

“I’ve heard most of my friends complain at some point but that tends to be on buying communal things like washing up liquid, but not really around bills.”

Easybills was co-founded in January 2014 by both James Harrison and Carlos Butler, who came up with the idea while at university.

Easybills is a utility bills company that helps students save money on household bills. Users can pay for electricity, gas, internet and water bills all in one bundle package which is then split evenly between all occupants.

Mr Harrison added: “Having been students ourselves, we at Easybills understand the hassle around organising bills particularly with a group of people; it is not as straightforward as you had hoped.”