Changing rooms, new housemate

Fr O'Blivion

Bit of a strange one this, but I'd appreciate any advice.

Basically, living with two others since March of this year. As I was the last to move in, I got the box room. We all pay the same rent.

Anyway, I've been away at home the last few weeks, during which time the person who's leaving has found a replacement.

I assumed that I would "move up" into the bigger room once it became vacant but it doesn't seem the case (landlord emailed implying as much and I assume the guy thinks he's getting the vacant room). Don't think the new person has moved in yet, but I'm just wondering how to approach the situation.

Obviously, he took the room on the basis of having the bigger room but at the same time I feel like I should've had the choice of moving into it. Or maybe I just made that assumption. Of course, I've been away so it might just be a case of having a word but am I wrong to expect to move into the bigger room?

Not sure how much of a personal issue this is (feel free to move it) but I'd appreciate any advice.

moco

The landlord probably wanted to have the bigger room free to rent as he might not get the money he was asking for the box room.

You rented your room, so while I wouldn't say you're entitled to move into the bigger room, I don't think you should be paying as much as the other 2. I was living in a house share with others and I had the box room, so paid less rent.

You could say to the landlord you don't think its fair that you're stuck with the box room even after a bigger one came available, and see what he says. If he insists the new person is having the bigger room you could try for a rent decrease. I don't think anyone could justify saying you should be paying the same amount as the others.

Firetrap

It looks to me like you never actually said to anyone that you'd like the bigger room. Nobody's telepathic. You should have indicated to your house mates and your landlord that you wanted to move into the bigger room once it became vacant. You did a lot of assuming there and you've missed your chance on this occasion.

Starokan

not a lot you can do, it sounds like the landlord has got a new tenant based on the bigger room. I think you were a little slow out of the blocks on this one.

Usually in my experience of house shares you would move into the bigger one but all that would be pre arranged well in advance and the landlord would know its the box room he/she is renting out.

mikemac

Fr O'Blivion wrote: »

I assumed that I would "move up" into the bigger room once it became vacant

You should have pushed yourself forward before the room was ever advertised.

The landlord is getting good money for the box room and it would be harder to rent out then the bigger room so that suits them

It's too late now but as a consolation ask for a rent reduction. Crazy the box room costs as much as the others

LegacyUser

Unfortunately if he's seen the room already then he's agreed to move in on the basis of getting that room.

If you wanted to upgrade then you probably needed to stake a claim when you knew the last person was moving out.

Maybe not entirely fair but thats kinda how it works I'm afraid.

Doirtybirdy

Tell the land lord you want a chat next time they're over and suggest you want a rent cut commensurate with the smaller size of your room.
Do look for other places just in case.