Millie Thomas endured a chilling housemate quirk: a relentless dedication to keeping the thermostat at zero degrees Celsius, even in the dead of winter. Her flatmate, convinced that turning on the heat would trigger a rent increase, waged a daily battle against warmth, leaving Millie shivering and desperately seeking ways to counteract the icy conditions.
The situation unfolded in a five-bedroom house in Gloucester, where Millie and four others split the £500 rent, utilities included. Despite the financial benefit, the constant cold became unbearable. Millie vividly recalls seeing her breath in her bedroom at night, forcing her to pile on blankets and endure a nightly shiver.
The roommate’s commitment was absolute, marked by sticky notes proclaiming “leave it on zero.” Millie, not one for confrontation, resorted to stealth, waiting for her roommate to lower the thermostat before sneaking upstairs to restore a semblance of warmth. She even devised elaborate plans to tamper with the thermostat’s cover, hoping to trick her roommate into believing it was still set to zero while secretly raising the temperature.
Millie’s experience isn’t unique. A recent survey revealed that a staggering nine in ten Millennial and Gen Z renters have encountered a “housemate horror.” Common clashes include late-night music, mountains of dirty dishes, and an endless stream of messages in group chats.
Beyond the thermostat wars, the survey highlighted other frustrating living situations. One in five young renters have lived with a “Nocturnal Gamer” whose all-night sessions disrupted the peace, while nearly two in ten shared homes with “Persistent Puffers” who smoked indoors. The constant presence of “Permanent Plus-ones” – overnight guests who didn’t contribute to bills – also proved a major source of irritation for nearly three in ten.
The rising cost of rent is exacerbating these tensions. With average rents reaching a record £1,385 per month – and a staggering £2,736 in London – many young people feel trapped in the rental market. Landlords are anticipating rent increases in response to new legislation, adding further financial pressure.
The dream of homeownership feels increasingly distant, requiring an average first-time buyer deposit of over £61,000. This financial burden is driving many young people to prioritize independent living, even if it means paying more. Two-thirds would prefer to live alone, and seven in ten are now more determined than ever to buy their own home.
Millie’s own frustrating experience ultimately fueled her decision to purchase a home with her husband in Wales. She viewed renting as a cycle she desperately needed to escape, recalling her brother’s similar struggles in Bristol. The prospect of affording a home in a competitive market felt impossible without breaking free from the rental trap.
Now a homeowner, Millie has traded a chilly flatshare for a warmer, more stable life – and a new set of companions. She and her husband share their home with four adorable guinea pigs: Strawberry Shortcake, Coconut, Pumpkin, and Butternut Squash, a far cry from the thermostat battles of her past.
