Should roommates keep a shared spreadsheet? Yes, here's how
Use columns for date, category, description, total, payer, split, amount owed, due date, and paid date. Keep separate tabs for monthly bills, deposits, shared furniture, and move-out settlement.
Attach or link receipts. Make the sheet viewable by every roommate and limit edits only if the group needs that control. Update it when a bill arrives, not at the end of a foggy month.
Do not turn it into a scorecard for personal habits. Its job is to make financial facts visible.