The recent currency increase affected the rent, my roommate doesn't understand

You're talking about currency, rent, and such, but in times of pressure like this, sometimes other issues come to the surface. Are there any small accumulated things regarding household chores/sharing? Like dishes, cleaning, or who gets to use the bathroom first. It feels like everything has piled up, and it’s like it's just waiting for an excuse to explode.

So does your roommate share any other sources of stress with you besides this currency/rent issue? Like, for example, work problems, personal issues, etc. The topics might be interconnected; maybe even if the rent is the excuse, there's another crisis going on behind it. Have you ever tried to address it?

Could it be that they're experiencing chaos within themselves rather than entirely with you? You know how some people get angry at themselves during financial stress, but the one they reflect that anger onto is you. Even if the main topic at home is currency/rent, could it actually be their frustration with their own order, in your opinion?

Could he be making a comparison about your economic situation? You know, feeling uncomfortable thinking that you manage to live more comfortably while he struggles to handle his own income and expenses? Sometimes people assess the other person's money in their minds and behave accordingly; have you ever sensed anything like that?

Maybe they bring up currency/rental discussions especially because they expect you to come up with a solution. They might want to hear something like, "Let’s sort this out, we can handle it together." Have you ever thought about how you react in these conversations?

It may seem like big issues are being discussed over rent, but the real matter is a simpler sharing problem. For example, do you share shopping, have arrangements been made for common areas? Sometimes, discussing currency can be a diplomatic version of the complaint "I've taken on more."

Could it also be an illusion to interpret everything through currency-rent? I mean, sure, external factors are pressuring us, but how much do we evaluate the inequalities within the household? Who is doing more work, who is consuming more, who is bearing the burden of the home? Sometimes the biggest crises arise from the accumulation and explosion of those unseen tasks. Do you ever look into those areas?

Maybe the issue of currency/rent has been a moment of confrontation regarding how power dynamics are distributed in the household? You know how everyone has their own space and rules; these rising costs might have blurred those boundaries. Have you ever reconsidered your position's weight within the home?

Dude, you've gone and complicated things with all this sociological analysis, but maybe the issue is straightforward: The rent increase has directly hit his pocket, not yours. Just ask clearly, "How is the rent increase exactly affecting you, what do you expect from me?" Often, the matter isn't that complicated; it's just about what's in my pocket—who do I get money from.

Maybe the issue isn't how much you spend in common, but rather that the burden of the rent increase isn't being shared in the same way with you? For example, if this increase has a lesser impact on your income, could it look like an inequity disproportionate to him? Are you clearly sitting down and making a fair distribution according to everyone's budget, or is it just split evenly? I think you should consider this.

Perhaps part of this discussion is independent of currency/rent, but the recent increase has served as a catalyst. For example, were there any minor accumulated issues in previous months? Could it be that they have quietly accepted it and have now reached a point to discuss this event? Because people generally don't explode all at once; they build up gradually.

So much analysis has been done, but I noticed something directly: maybe they are generally uncomfortable with the idea of sharing the house with you, but they might be expressing it through the rental situation. In other words, could it be that instead of saying "I'm tired of this arrangement," they are using the increase in currency as an excuse to imply certain things? If you got such an energy from them, just ask directly, "Are you unhappy about this?"

Perhaps the reason for continually bringing up the exchange rate increase is that they disapprove of your budget management or are indirectly criticizing your spending habits. Could it be more of an inquiry like, "How are you managing this? How can you be so carefree?" rather than just a straightforward economic issue? They might be trying to make a comparison regarding your expenditures.

Maybe the rise in foreign currency is just an excuse, and the guy really wants to pay less? I mean, he could be trying to dress it up as "I'm struggling" to push you into contributing more. Have you ever done a real calculation? Is everyone really paying equally?

There's been so much talk about rent, but who is keeping track of the bills at home? Who does the grocery shopping? Because I think equal payment isn't enough; equal responsibility is needed, too. Maybe the real problem comes from a place like, "I'm already doing everything, and now there's a rent increase." Have you ever touched on that part?

Perhaps the issue isn't the exchange rate/rent as an excuse, but rather the way to express the real underlying problem? For instance, isn't it disturbing that despite all this financial trouble, some "luxuries" are still being preserved at home? Have you ever noticed if there is a mismatch regarding the overall standards of the house?

Or maybe the situation is entirely about comparing it to someone from the outside? Like there might be an expectation of "things are like this in other houses, why is it different here". Could they be reflecting something they've heard from their surroundings to you?

It seems like a small detail, but that's where the issue actually escalated. I couldn't relax without clarifying that.

Maybe it's a timing issue? The rise in exchange rates and the rental situation have accelerated the problems, but the main issue could be a mismatch in joint actions. For example, is there any imbalance in the "who, when, what" aspect of house sharing? Because no one wants to feel that "something is missing" all the time. Sometimes conflict arises simply from the disorganization of tasks.

Perhaps the issue isn't the currency increase, but rather a disruption in rhythm? When the sync at home goes off, people look for excuses; the money agenda is always at hand. Has there been a change in the routine lately, has the old order disappeared?

Maybe the issue isn't about currency or anything, but rather that your roommate has started to see you as some kind of "automatic washing machine." You know, it runs regularly, everything goes smoothly, but in that cycle, it seems like they've forgotten that you're a person too? Have you ever sat down and openly talked about "what do you expect, what do I expect"?

But why has this currency issue come up now, even as an excuse? Was there never any discussion of such a thing before? Topics that explode suddenly are usually built up over time; what might have been suppressed here?

Perhaps there is a place where they can't express their own issues by making excuses related to the currency? For example, there could be a problem with how they communicate with you or how much empathy you show. Have you ever asked, "Is it easy for you to talk about this issue this way?"

Or maybe they think you take their concerns about currency/rent less seriously, or even ignore them? So it might seem like the issue is not theirs but your "indifference." Have you ever tried to explore the "how are you really feeling" part?

I think the issue may not be about division of labor, but rather a perception of "shared responsibility." In the end, rent is a responsibility too, and perhaps they feel that you aren't equally concerned about it. For instance, could they have developed a feeling like "am I carrying the rent increase all by myself without discussing it"?

If the question of rent coming in foreign currency got mixed up with the question of "how much am I contributing to this budget?"? In other words, if the issue is about money, it seems like the problem is about the fairness of money. So shouldn't we ask openly, "how much am I contributing, how much am I being affected, does this bother you?"

I don't think the increase in foreign exchange rates is the only issue; the real matter is the balance of the "sense of justice." For example, a rent increase might seem fair in theory, but if the burden sharing doesn't feel the same in practice, that can cause problems. In the dynamics of living with roommates, everyone might struggle to reach a point where they can say, "Okay, this is right." Have you ever sat down and said, "Let's do some calculations?"

Maybe the foreign exchange rates and rent are just triggers. The real issue could be another imbalance that has been tacitly ongoing for a while. For example, in shared expenses like the use of common areas or cleaning, does one side feel like they are carrying more of the burden? If there is an accumulated injustice there, perhaps the foreign exchange issue has become an excuse.

I think it could also be about when you raise your voice. If the rise in currency is really bothering you, how clearly and timely have you expressed that discomfort? Maybe the issue isn't that he doesn't understand, but that you aren’t putting in enough effort to show it.

Maybe it's not really about the rent increase, but rather an unresolved issue of "who's in control of the house" that has exploded. The currency is just the visible aspect of it. What's the overall order of the house, who makes the decisions, is there an asymmetric situation in between? Are you more dominant, or is it them?

While I think the discussion is often about currency and rent, one aspect of it may be cultural. For example, talking about money can be difficult or embarrassing for some people, and they might avoid expressing it directly. Are they able to talk comfortably with you about this, or does the way of discussing it create a barrier?

In the title, you say "Recent Currency Increase," but there are no concrete examples of your friend's reaction. Does he really not understand, or does he have a different solution proposal that you disagree with? Maybe the issue is more about how the situation is being handled rather than the currency itself. Where are you getting stuck?

Maybe your friend has an attitude of not "not understanding" but "not caring"? I mean, they might know the impact of the currency, but in the end, they may not be affected equally by this situation. Do you think the expenses are fair, and does he think they are fair? I think that's what matters 🤦‍♀️

Perhaps the issue isn't about "understanding" or "caring", but a completely different approach: Is your mindset compatible with budget management? For example, some people say, "rent and bills are paid, the rest is whatever", while others track every item meticulously. Is there a conflict regarding your accounting style?

Maybe your friend is making excuses about external factors like currency fluctuations to avoid the real issue. Are they feeling pinched about accumulating debts or household expenses? Don't just assume they don't understand; it’s clear they have some other discomfort.

Could your friend's inability to see the currency increase as a "real" problem be rooted in their own economic resilience? In other words, if maintaining their standard of living at a previous level is more attainable for them, they might not share their panic on this issue. Have you ever talked about your individual incomes or financial cushions? Perhaps what they "don’t understand" isn’t your tight situation, but how someone who is tight feels.

Could your friend's inability to understand this issue be due not to the way you express it, but rather because he doesn't feel the seriousness of the situation directly? For example, what is the rate at which this rent increase affects him? Perhaps he is being affected indirectly, and that's why he can't see it from the same perspective. Also, what would his reaction be if you approached it with a very concrete chain like "this is happening because of that"?

Are you keeping track of your own individual budget? For example, have you made a clear table saying, "we're paying this much, we're short this much?" Because sometimes, unless the numbers are laid out clearly, people perceive it as an atmospheric issue. Have you explicitly tried saying, "we have this much of a shortfall, what's your solution?" and thrown the ball into their court?

Maybe you're imposing your own standards more than you realize? Don't get upset when I say this, but for example, an expense category that seems unnecessary to him might be essential for you. Is there really an unfair situation, or is it just a difference in perception? Why not sit down and make that list impartially?

Let's say your friend didn't take the currency seriously, so where do we definitively derive that a rent increase should be a "problem" for them? Maybe their budget can handle it, or perhaps there’s something else that worries them more right now. In other words, if the currency isn't the only issue for them, could your sensitivity to this matter be too much for them?

Could there be another priority on his agenda while you're looking for a solution regarding this rent issue? I mean, maybe he doesn't have any problems related to the payments, but perhaps he's uncomfortable with the overall dynamic of living in the same house and isn't expressing it? Is it something related to the direct relationship rather than with foreign currencies or anything?

I suggest you take a test from your own perspective: How is their approach to taking responsibility on any issue, not just in terms of their economic comfort or hardship? When it comes to serious matters, are they someone who proposes solutions or someone who always evades the issue? Because these types of matters are usually the result of a habit.

Maybe he's not just using that currency as an excuse, but rather as a conscious strategy to avoid responsibility? It's easier to brush it off by saying, "That's not my problem." Let's check if he plays it like this in other matters as well.

Maybe the issue is not just about the currency/rent, but he feels overwhelmed by the general responsibility of having a roommate and can't express it directly. So the "not understanding" part could be a conscious escape. Even if that person leaves this house, try having a conversation about how they would establish their own financial setup or whether they can do it.

Maybe the rent increase, the impact of the currency, and so on, are not the issue for them, but rather the way the joint budget is discussed feels exhausting? If they are acting like someone who doesn't want to live in a constant economic crisis mode, it could simply be a mismatch in communication style. You could directly ask, "What aspect of this situation is challenging for you?" and drop the currency talk.

Maybe they just don't understand at all? I mean, for some people, the economy is like an abstract math problem. Have you tried just saying, "Our rent increased this much, you're paying this much, and this is where the gap is" to clarify things? 😐

Well, let's say that the rent increase is not a problem for him; did he say this explicitly, or are you proceeding with the assumption that he either didn't understand or didn't take it seriously? Perhaps he simply passed by with a clear statement like, "This increase doesn’t create a problem for me," but could that clarity have been lost somewhere in your level of communication? I think to understand this, it’s necessary to question not his economic situation, but the foundation of your agreement.

Alright, but when talking about the rent increase, is he making excuses, or is he genuinely distracting himself with other things? If he’s not acting like he doesn’t understand, what happens if he just doesn't want to? To clarify this, we need to assess his view on responsibility, not just with economic issues.

So aside from economic responsibility, do you also experience similar insensitivity or organizational issues regarding other shared matters at home? Because generally, someone who is unclear about one issue tends to exhibit similar behaviors in other areas as well. Is it limited to just the rent issue, or should all dynamics be reconsidered?

Maybe they truly don’t understand, but the reason for their lack of understanding isn’t the currency, it’s the way you explain the issue. So, does everyone have to understand at the same level when talking about the economy? Have you tried directly comparing what has been challenging for you and what is easy for them? Because if there’s a communication breakdown, they might be getting frustrated with something on their end as well.

Maybe it doesn't need to make any sense at all? I mean, do you already have a lease agreement? Yes, you do. Is it clear how much you need to pay? Yes, it is. Doesn't it suffice to just check whether you're paying that amount? If you're not solving anything by going on about foreign currency, then why are you talking about it? 🙂

But explaining currency might actually be an attempt to answer the "why" behind it? I mean, if you expect them to understand the background of the situation beyond just paying the money and moving on, it turns into something more like a "justify yourself" scenario. The question is: do you really feel incomplete if you don't provide an explanation, or do you get frustrated when they don't understand?

It's a bit strange to get so hung up on your roommate understanding the currency situation. I mean, the rent has gone up, sure, but why is it important to you that he relates this to the global economy? If the guy is paying what he needs to pay, isn't that enough?

The issue here is not understanding the currency, but your request to "take the situation seriously." If the person is paying, why waste time on understanding? But if they're not paying, then it shouldn't be about currency at all, and the focus should be directly on the payment issue. Which is it?

Perhaps it's not that he doesn't understand, but rather that he pretends not to? If there's something he hasn't paid for, is he using ignorance of foreign currency as an excuse, or is there something else at play? Because if the payment part is problematic, this "understanding" debate seems like quite a delaying tactic.

my friend was saying similar things, but they were really good at counting money while shopping. I think sometimes saying "I don't understand" works to their advantage. It's important to know whether they paid the amount they were supposed to or not.

If your roommate is actually paying but doesn’t lift their head saying they don’t understand the currency, it could imply a bit of a "let you carry the burden of everything" attitude. Setting the economy aside, is it generally like this with other responsibilities too? Because if it’s not just the rent but other issues are similarly being piled on you, it seems more like indifference than misunderstanding.

Perhaps the problem is not understanding or not understanding, but rather not reacting. In other words, if one withdraws and says "I don't understand" in a situation that annoys everyone, like a rent increase, this seems like passive indifference. How were the reactions to such vital issues generally before currency fluctuations? Or do they prefer to escape from every problem?

Perhaps the issue isn't understanding the currency, but your attempt to explain it to them. I mean, if they are somehow paying, why are you constantly trying to provide an explanation? If they aren't paying, then the issue isn't the currency; it's another attitude disguised under the excuse of "I can't pay." Let's clarify which one it is first.

It's not a matter of currency, but perhaps a lack of mathematical habit? Because some people really struggle to combine two or three pieces of data in their minds and reach a conclusion. But then, it’s strange when they just shift the entire burden onto you and run away instead of adopting a practical mindset of "it needs to be paid, that's it." If they don't even think "why so much" when paying, it could be a general signal of apathy both at home and in life.

So, is this "I don’t understand" attitude only limited to currency? Do you react the same way when the electricity bill increases? If there is a similar ease with all expenses, is there a dynamic here that forces you into management rather than just ignorance?

The issue of currency "non-understanding" here might be an excuse, but the real question is this: does it accept the increase itself directly? Because even if they don't understand the increase, you're already paying the rent at the increased rate. Does someone who says "I don't understand" remain silent about it, or are they actually protesting on the inside? Have you ever noticed this?

If he's really confused, why don't you propose to sit down and work it out together? It doesn't make sense to me to just say "I don't understand" and not look for any solution. Have you tried explaining it, or did he just write it off right away?

While saying "I don't understand," they might not actually check and calculate it themselves, but they could also be quietly brushing it off, trusting your calculations. If they're not objecting too much, maybe they really don't want to follow up. But this is a matter of trust; let's hope a small accounting error doesn't blow up one day. For instance, if a question like "Why are we paying too much?" comes up, are you prepared?

They say "I don't understand" and move on, but will they react if they realize they paid extra one day? That's one thing... What if they never realize? Is this "I don't understand" just a shield to leave everything up to you? Because if it goes on like this, they might not even be in a position to ask for accountability. In the long run, it disrupts your balance.

Perhaps when they say "I don't understand," they actually mean they don't want to engage, but they might be calculating that due to this negligence, they could blame you in a potential crisis. Have you considered the possibility of them throwing the ball back at you by saying, "You said this, I didn't get involved at all"? If you didn't establish a clear division of responsibility from the beginning, this uncertainty is risky for both parties.

Maybe the issue isn't just sharing the money but understanding the value of spending. In other words, while you talk about the currency increase, they might see it as an abstract data point. If you gave a tangible example like, "Prices have risen by this much, and this makes a difference," through a grocery expense, could it create a more concrete connection?

What will you do if you share this and they say "I don't understand" and just move on? Because if this is just complete indifference and a letting-go situation, you might be able to say okay as long as they don't interfere, but what if one day they do? The situation turning into "you always did this" is the problem. Have you set your boundaries from the beginning?

So, is this state of "not understanding" only regarding financial issues? For example, does he behave the same way regarding shared responsibilities like cleaning? Or is the issue just about trusting you to handle the math and completely leaving this area to you? Because this ease seems a bit strategic to me.

It's hard to believe someone who says "I don't understand" is actually confused. It seems more like they are shifting the responsibility onto you and just looking after their own comfort. Could the problem be not just financial, but rather a general attitude towards shared living? If they escape from other issues like this as well, then that's where the real problem lies.

Perhaps the issue is not that he "doesn't understand," but rather that he doesn't even know what he needs to understand. Currency fluctuations, rent, shared expenses... If these seem to him like a complicated, abstract math problem, he may not be able to see things from your perspective. In this case, shouldn't you change the language of the solution you’re offering?

Isn't it silly for someone who says they "don't understand" to completely stay out of such a critical matter? I mean, it's rent, a fixed monthly expense, a part of life. Even if they don't understand, shouldn't they try to learn? It seemed a bit like taking the easy way out to me.

I think he backed away by saying "I don't understand," so right now all the responsibility is on you, but completely sidelining him in such a vital matter might also suit his interests. So, have you ever directly confronted him with, "Why doesn’t this matter concern you?" Because if you don't pursue it further, he could maintain this passive stance indefinitely.

Instead of directly discussing finances with someone who says "I don’t understand" and withdraws to a corner, how about having a general conversation about the organization of the house? Because it's not just about the rent; as you said, if there's a crack here, other things will fall apart too. Look at their attitude; are they more inclined to pass on the burden rather than find a solution?

Well, let's say they don't understand, how is their behavior in other areas they do understand? For example, in the division of household chores or their own personal expenses, do they also withdraw by saying, "I don't understand, I don't know"? Or is it just a specific "I don't understand" for topics that increase your workload? If there is a selective "not understanding" state, that seems a bit too calculating.

If he says "I don’t understand" and you’re doing everything instead of him, that means he has developed this habit. But what I’m curious about is, doesn’t he ever have any curiosity like "how does this work?"? I mean, he’s neither pursuing knowledge nor engaging in the work; is this complete indifference, or is he intentionally leaving it to you?

When you say "I don't understand," is there really an effort to comprehend or to learn at that moment, or has it completely turned into an excuse? Because it's hard not to notice; the impact of the currency exchange, things like rent are at the center of daily life. If there is not even a little curiosity or initiative on such important issues, it might point to a bigger problem of responsibility.

When he says he doesn’t "understand", does he really mean the currency-rent math, or is it about the stress, conflict, and responsibilities that come with being involved in this? I mean, sometimes people don’t push back on the technical details, but on the burden of the situation they call "not understanding". Have you thought about it from this perspective? 🙂

Perhaps when they say "I don't understand," they received a negative response from something they did before, which is why they are dodging responsibility like this. For instance, did they take the initiative on an issue related to the house in the past, and did it result in a disagreement? Because sometimes people withdraw with the thought, "I shouldn't be the one to do it; it will backfire on me again." Before teaching the solution, one needs to understand the reason behind this attitude.

"I don't understand," he said, but has he ever shared another opinion regarding this currency issue or household expenses? For example, did he have any suggestions like "we could do this"? If he remains completely silent on these matters, it seems like he is just trying to avoid the work; it appears he has no intention of learning.

He might be saying "I don't understand" and pushing the issue back, but there's something missing here: The increase in rent and currency is directly affecting our shared life, can we really avoid talking about that? Just saying I don't understand and ignoring a shared budget is more than passivity; it's an outright rejection of responsibility. In this situation, you need to have a clear "This can't continue like this" conversation, otherwise it won't end.

Let's say they say "I don't understand" and slip away; what changes in their own comfort during this time? For example, if you're eating pasta as a result of currency/rent increases, are they still saying that from outside? Or is there a situation where you're also bearing the consequences of that burden? I'd suggest looking into this.

If they say "I don't understand" and are backing off this much, then you should also step back in an area they "understand." For example, if they are doing the cleaning or handling the cooking, just say "I don't understand" and see what happens. Shared living requires equal burdens; as long as you keep doing everything by yourself, this won't get better.

So has this ever happened: in such a situation, did you ever get angry and openly say, "I'm carrying the burden here, what are you doing?" Because if they say "I don't understand," could you have split the topic by saying, "Then let's share it like this"? Maybe at first, your solution worked for them, but after that point, you've both remained stuck in the same dynamic. You need to rebuild this from the start.

If they say they don't understand, put the budget in writing. Rent, bills, expenses; create a small table and put it in front of them. If they still say "I don’t understand" about something this concrete, the issue will clarify itself, whether it's just words or an excuse.

If they say "I don't understand," they may be waiting for things to resolve themselves. When you solve a crisis, does anything really change for them? Because if it doesn't ultimately affect their comfort, they probably don't feel the pressure for a clear solution either. Have you ever thought about what would happen if this cycle stopped?

If they're avoiding work under the pretense of not understanding, you're actually perpetuating the situation by continuously taking on the solutions to these problems. Have you ever tried something like this: completely stop coming up with solutions and give them the chance to figure out how to manage on their own? Because if you step in during every crisis, it might seem easy for them to rely on you.

We assume it's a cover for "I don't understand," but could it be that they really don't understand? Topics like currency, rent, and budget may not be easily grasped by everyone. Let's say there's a lack of education, experience, or maybe just a straightforward mindset; if they're completely unfamiliar with the issue, you might need to be a bit clearer when dividing the tasks in this collaboration. What did you explain that they wouldn't understand?

He may not understand, that's okay, but then why isn't he trying to understand? I mean, not everyone has to know everything, but someone living in a shared household should at least ask about something they don't know and learn. Being passive is still a choice, and it seems like too much patience has been shown for this "not understanding".

"I don’t understand," she says, but has she ever intervened in a matter that someone else didn’t understand? For example, when something breaks in the house, or has she ever taken the initiative in a matter you're avoiding? Or does she generally withdraw in every situation? It’s important to determine whether this "I don’t understand" is a habit or selectiveness.

And there's this: Have you ever offered to seek outside help on topics he said he didn't understand? For instance, if it's about the budget, suggesting to use a calculation app together, or do you recommend calling a professional when something breaks, and he just says "I don't understand" out of obligation? Some people pull back just because they think the job will grow.

So has this ever happened: have there been times when you were unable to advocate for your own rights because you resolved the issue of the rent increase? I mean, that person said "I don't understand," but since you managed to solve the situation in some way, it might have seemed like they were involved in that decision too. Maybe it's necessary to start from the "joint decision-making" part before finding a solution to the issue.

But have you ever thought about this: could it be that when someone says "I don't understand," they're actually avoiding the burden of responsibility? In other words, even if the issue is something concrete, if it requires them to take on a load in the end and that feels too heavy for them, they might act like they don't understand. You could even directly ask, "Is this too much for you?" to get a clearer view of the emotional side of the matter.

I think if he is deriving benefits in another way from the things he brushes off by saying "I don't understand," then there isn't really a situation of not understanding, is there? For example, let's say he dealt with the rent increase; in the end, he still continues to stay in the house, right? The comfort in this might be beneficial for him. But have you ever pressed him by asking, "What exactly don't you understand? Can you explain it clearly?"

So, have you ever openly said, "I don't want to do this job either"? I mean, when you said "I don't understand" and then pulled back with "I don't have to solve this either," what happens? Are you forced to engage, or does the situation just become more unclear? Something might come out of that.

Even if they don't understand, they need to show the spirit of trying to understand. Have you ever made a suggestion like "let's learn together"? Or are they always just waiting for you to solve it? Occasionally saying "oh, it’s such an easy task" to motivate them might also work.

I once encountered someone who said they didn’t understand and refused to be bothered, and it was really bad. Once the problem was solved and they were at ease, they started complaining about it. I think it's necessary to set a boundary before it gets to that point with yours 🙂

So, about the things that he says he "doesn't understand," does he ever express an opinion after you've searched and found a solution? For example, if you've worked hard to find the best rent, does he ever come up with a comment like, "I think this should be like that"? If he gets involved at that point, it really seems opportunistic.

So, it’s worth asking: Do you really "not understand," or do you "not care"? Because the outcomes of the two are different. If you don’t care, there’s no point in discussing your lack of understanding anyway.

Have you thought about this: Does the excuse "I don’t understand" come up in other things they do after saying it? So, the rent issue is one thing, but will they show the same attitude in the future regarding the electricity bill, repairs, etc.? If this is the case all the time, it could be a habit, and the solution might remain short-term.