The cost of saving the world: £20
Posted on 09. Mar, 2010 by The LandLady in Confessions, Housemate stories
The eco mad roommates who charge guests for showers
My flatmates A and B and I had lived together in university halls. B is very controlling and A is very passive aggressive, as you will see.
Expensive for a cold shower
A and B decided that A’s boyfriend and my boyfriend would pay £20 for the privilege of using the shower. My boyfriend now will not shower at my place because he can’t afford to. Our bill was £120 each for the gas (hot water etc) and it was pretty steep. I tried to talk to A and B about rationally settling the situation – the argument that ensued left me in tears. Little did I know that this was only the beginning.
Within 30 minutes signs appeared everywhere. “Only use the washing machine once a week!” “Showers: Only 5 minutes long!” “Recycle!”
Actually the recycling one is the worst of the 3. There are signs EVERYWHERE about it and if we don’t, B drags the trash up to our rooms, yells to make us put it downstairs in the right container, and then acts moody all day. This has happened regarding one milk bottle. One.
The list goes on…
Phone
The phone is another point of contention. We must write whom we call, when, how long, etc. Exactly to the letter. If not, B gets insane.
Heating
Heating is nonexistent in our house; my room suffers mould and damp issues. To top this off we are instructed not to use the drier. Ever. I suffer medical stuff that is aggravated by the mould. Yay.
Cleaning
Lastly, cleaning in our house is nonexistent. I have a serious medical complaint with my skin. All housemates are aware of this. But, they insist on using harsh chemicals to clean the bathroom with – and when reminded politely I am completely ignored. This has led to me being in tears and unable to move my hands at times, because of chemical burns. Their response? A shrug.
The Solution?
I’m moving out to live with my boyfriend this year. Anything is better than living in a house where I’m cold, I can’t do laundry, I’m chemically burnt and I’m ignored all the time.
Shared by: I is mad, United Kingdom
What advice would you give to help this person deal with their Uni roomates?
What other housemates say…