We’re barely covering rent and holiday costs — and my roommate’s partner lives here for free. What should I do?

The holiday season is known as the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also when financial stress hits a high point in Canada. Many people face added expenses in the form of gifts, travel and social events, while also having to factor in heightened utility costs during the colder months. It’s a time when budgets are stretched thin.

For some, the strain is worsened by an all-too-familiar frustration: houseguests who overstay their welcome.

Imagine this hypothetical but relatable scenario: Say you live with a roommate, but it feels like more — she has a boyfriend who stays over three to four days a week and doesn’t pitch in for rent or utilities.

He doesn't just share your space. He lets dishes pile up for days before washing them, has multiple devices connected to the Wi-Fi and takes long, hot showers. Yes, he does buy his own food, but it also takes up fridge space while also using everyone else’s food containers for leftovers.

This boyfriend is clearly a drain on resources, which becomes more precious during this time of year. Even small contributions could help lighten the load. But when a guest feels (or acts) like family, how do you address the imbalance without creating conflict or disrupting the holiday spirit?

Rising prices and tension

The rising cost of living can strain household relationships — especially when expenses aren’t equitably shared. Across Canada, average rents have surged over 27% from Q1 2019 to Q1 2025 (1), while as of 2024, wages have only grown by 5%, according to Statistics Canada (2). This distinct gap leaves many families and individuals struggling to balance budgets and dodge financial crisis.

One way to manage increased costs is to have open conversations about fairly splitting costs, while possibly setting firm payment schedules. Revisiting household responsibilities — such as establishing a cleaning rotation — can help keep shared spaces manageable.

If guests are staying over, especially for extended stays, setting expectations for tasks like cleanup or contributions to groceries can preserve the festive spirit while avoiding unnecessary conflict.

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Budgeting in the season of spending

The holidays often come with a hefty price tag, and this year — and Canadians are planning to spend more cautiously, with strict budgets to allotted for festivities. According to a report by PwC Canada, Canadian consumers expect to spend an average of $1,675 on gifts, entertainment and travel this season, about 10% less than last year (3). Further, a holiday survey conducted by the Retail Council of Canada shows the average holiday budget hovers around $975 a person, similar to 2024 (4).

Increased spending can be stressful enough, but add an unofficial roommate to the mix and complications arise. When it comes to managing shared expenses, setting clear expectations and being proactive about your budget can help you stay in control of your spending.

Setting achievable spending goals can also help keep your budget on track. Monitoring your expenses and identifying areas where you can cut back ensures you can enjoy the holiday cheer without compromising your financial well-being. With a bit of planning, you can stay in control of your finances and still embrace the festive spirit.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Statistics Canada (1, 2), PwC (3), Retail Council of Canada (4)