How To Make a Roommate Rental Agreement

By Jordan Walker, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq. | Last reviewed March 19, 2025

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You can create a document between co-tenants called a roommate agreement by stating how they will share a rental property in a written roommate agreement that includes details about the renters’ financial obligations for the security deposit, amount of rent payments, and utility bills, house rules regarding overnight guests, common areas, cleaning schedule, and household chores, and other information about living in the shared space together.

What To Expect in This Article

This article tells you how to create your own roommate contract and gets you started with our free roommate agreement template.

Jump to Free Roommate Rental Agreement Template

What Is a Roommate Rental Agreement?

A roommate agreement is a written contract between people who reside together in a rental property that defines how they will share the rental unit and what each person is responsible for.

This agreement is helpful because it clearly states everyone’s duties and expectations, preventing arguments between housemates later. It also helps protect the rights of each roommate. It’s important to remember that this agreement is different from the rental contract or lease agreement you have with your landlord. A lease agreement is a contract between the renters and the landlord, while a roommate agreement focuses on the relationship between the roommates.

What Should Be Included in a Roommate Rental Agreement?

Think about what you want to cover in your roommate agreement to ensure it’s fair and protects everyone involved in your living situation. Typically, roommate rental agreements include the following information:

  • Names of the Parties. List the names of each roommate so everyone knows who is part of the agreement.

  • Property Details. Provide the rental address of the property covered by the agreement and other important details describing the property.

  • Length of Agreement. State the beginning and end date for the roommate rental period so it is clear (especially if the roommate rental period is month-to-month or different from when the rental lease ends or begins).

  • Rent Details. Include the monthly rent each roommate must pay, how late fees are divided, the due date for rent, and the method of payment.

  • Security Deposit. Note how much the security deposit is for each roommate, what needs to happen so everyone gets their portion back, and any reasons it might be reduced.

  • Utilities and Other Expenses. Explain how bills for utility services, like electricity, internet, cable, etc., and expenses, like money spent on household supplies for common areas, cleaning supplies, etc., will be divided among the roommates.

  • House Rules. Set rules for quiet hours, an overnight guest policy, and other household duties like vacuuming, dish duty, and clean-up roles for shared living rooms, bathrooms, and other common living spaces.

  • Termination Conditions. Describe the process if someone wants to leave the agreement early, such as how much notice is required, whether they’re responsible for finding a replacement roommate, and other obligations to the remaining roommates.

How To Write a Roommate Rental Agreement Using Our Free Template

Most people can make their own roommate rental agreements with the help of online legal resources. Make sure you have accurate information for yourself and your roommates and that the terms you want to include are clear and understandable.

You can customize the following template for your specific needs:

Finalizing Your Roommate Rental Agreement

After writing the agreement, carefully review it for any mistakes and make sure the terms you’ve included are clear and concise. You should also check state and local laws to ensure its legally valid and fair to each roommate. This also helps to avoid potential legal issues and makes it more likely that your agreement can be enforced if necessary.

Once your agreement is complete, have your new roommates read over it and discuss any questions before they sign or move in. Keep the original signed agreement in a secure place and give each roommate a copy. This will serve as a record of everyone’s rights and responsibilities and be used as a reference for resolving disputes.

Understanding roommate rights and other landlord-tenant laws can be confusing, especially when creating your own legal documents. If you still have questions or want additional help, you can find one by using our lawyer directory. 

Disclaimer: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice or representation. It is general and educational in nature, may not reflect all recent legal developments, and may not apply to your unique facts and circumstances. Consider consulting with a qualified business attorney if you have legal questions.  

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