If you’ve ever shared an apartment here, you already know this truth: roommates in Chicago don’t usually break up over dirty dishes—they break up over money. I’ve watched friendships survive Cubs rebuilds and brutal winters, only to collapse over who pays more for the corner bedroom or why the electric bill doubled in February. Splitting rent, utilities, and deposits fairly isn’t just polite—it’s survival in this city.
I’ve spent years covering Chicago housing, the way a columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times might: walking buildings, talking to renters, and learning that fairness isn’t always about splitting things evenly—it’s about splitting them intelligently.
Why “Equal” Isn’t Always Fair in Chicago Apartments
Chicago apartments are rarely identical box-for-box. One roommate gets the primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom and skyline view. Another gets the smaller room facing the alley and the dumpster pickup at 5:12 a.m.
Equal rent sounds good in theory. In practice, it breeds resentment.
Common Chicago Apartment Imbalances
- One bedroom is significantly larger
- One room has a private bathroom
- One roommate works from home full time
- One bedroom has better light, views, or storage
- One roommate has exclusive access to outdoor space
If the space isn’t equal, the rent probably shouldn’t be either.
How to Split Rent Fairly Between Roommates
The Square Footage Method (Most Fair, Least Emotional)
This is the cleanest approach, especially in newer or renovated Chicago buildings.
How it works:
- Measure each bedroom’s square footage
- Calculate the total bedroom square footage
- Assign rent proportionally
Example (Chicago 2BR, $2,800/month):
- Bedroom A: 180 sq ft
- Bedroom B: 120 sq ft
- Total bedroom space: 300 sq ft
- Bedroom A pays 60% of bedroom portion
- Bedroom B pays 40%
- Shared spaces are split evenly
Result:
Bedroom A pays about $1,520
Bedroom B pays about $1,280
Nobody argues with math.
The Amenity Adjustment Method
This is common in older walk-ups and vintage Chicago units.
Adjust rent based on perks:
- +$100–$200 for private bathroom
- +$75–$150 for balcony or patio access
- +$50–$100 for better light or view
This method works best when roommates agree before move-in.
The “Same Rent, Different Utilities” Compromise
Some roommates keep rent equal but adjust utilities:
- Bigger room pays a higher share of electricity or gas
- Work-from-home roommate pays more internet
This works—but only if tracked honestly.
How to Split Utilities Without Starting a War
Chicago utilities fluctuate wildly with seasons. Gas bills spike in winter. Electric bills jump in July.
Typical Chicago Utility Ranges (Per Month)
- Electricity: $60–$150
- Gas (heat): $40–$200 (winter spikes)
- Internet: $60–$100
- Water/Trash: $20–$40 (if not included)
Fair Utility Split Options
Option 1: Even Split (Best for Similar Usage)
Good when roommates have similar schedules and habits.
Option 2: Usage-Based Split
Best when one roommate:
- Works from home
- Games or streams heavily
- Runs AC or space heaters constantly
Option 3: Fixed Internet Split
Internet is usually split evenly unless one roommate uses it for business.
Security Deposits: The Chicago Reality Check
Security deposits in Chicago are regulated more strictly than many renters realize.
What Most Deposits Look Like
- Typically equal to one month’s rent
- Collected upfront
- Returned after move-out (minus damages)
How to Handle Deposits Fairly
- Each roommate pays a share equal to their rent portion
- Deposit refunds should be returned proportionally
- Document move-in condition with photos
Important Chicago note:
If one roommate causes damage, landlords may deduct from the total deposit—meaning everyone loses unless you’ve agreed otherwise.
Put It in Writing: Why a Roommate Agreement Matters
You don’t need a lawyer. You need clarity.
What a Simple Roommate Agreement Should Include
- Rent amounts per roommate
- Utility split method
- Deposit responsibility
- Move-out notice expectations
- Guest and sublet rules
This one document prevents 90% of roommate disputes I’ve seen.
Chicago-Specific Leasing Scenarios to Watch For
Joint Lease vs. Individual Liability
Most Chicago apartments use joint leases, meaning:
- Everyone is responsible if one roommate doesn’t pay
- Late rent affects all credit histories
Roommate Turnover Mid-Lease
If one roommate leaves:
- Remaining roommates usually cover the full rent
- Landlord approval is often required for replacements
Plan for this before it happens.
Real-World Example: A 3BR in Logan Square
- Total rent: $3,300
- Primary bedroom w/ bath: $1,300
- Medium bedroom: $1,050
- Small bedroom: $950
- Utilities split evenly
Everyone knew the deal. Nobody resented the deal. That’s the goal.
Summary: Fair Beats Equal Every Time
Chicago living is expensive enough without roommate drama. Fair rent splits consider space, usage, and reality—not feelings. Handle rent, utilities, and deposits transparently, put it in writing, and treat your apartment like a shared investment, not a handshake deal.
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