Hello! So I'm a 'landlord' but also, mostly, a roommate, as my parents bought my apartment. My roommates and I split the mortgage but my parents have been covering the monthly maintenance. I'd like to take that over soon--obviously, it's my responsibility. The rent is low for NYC but I still have some feelings of guilt at raising it, because my roommates are friends and also aren't super high earners. However, I really need to get over that. The question is the best method to communicate it and also the amount to request.
Very first world problem but I'm not quite used to the situation yet! My parents didn't buy it as an investment, though it could be, and are not expecting a return, but would hopefully be able to take the extra money going into the maintenance now to take a big trip to Japan if I take this offer. I have mentioned changing the responsibility for this bill to me to them, but feel that if I'm serious about that I should just act to take it over and tell them as a fait accompli. However, I'm just now ramping up my 401k contributions (finally at 20%) and starting to save money for an EF, and don't want to jettison those entirely. Thus I should spread the burden with my apartment mates, I just am feeling gun-shy...
The shortfall is $524. The current rent for us each is $650. Split evenly, the total amount for us each would basically be $800. A $150 increase is almost 25% more, however. A $100 increase is closer to 15%. I've browsed 'roommates wanted' listings on craigslist and $750-$800 is pretty reasonable.
So--should I ask for $800 and say sorry, I'm taking on the full cost of the maintenance? Or ask for only $100 more a month and swallow more of the increase myself? If they ask to negotiate downward, I'm fine to be flexible, but I guess I shouldn't advertise that. I don't want to create hard feelings or take advantage.
I'm also wondering if I should first float the idea that I want to take over this other payment and ask the others what their budgets allow for. Probably this will happen over text or email, or I could tell them I'm thinking of having a conversation about rent and suggest we schedule getting a drink at a new neighborhood bar to discuss it. However I worry that discussing it in person would actually be more awkward.
Thanks for any advice!