What Are Roommate Agreements?

A roommate agreement is a contract between people who share a rental property. Co-tenants use these agreements to specify how they will share the space while living together.

Written roommate agreements are an excellent way to avoid future problems when more than one person is on a lease agreement. A written agreement involving all parties to the lease is a tool to determine each roommate's responsibilities if a conflict arises. The roommate agreement is separate from the tenants' lease with the landlord.

This article will explore different elements of a roommate agreement.

Do I Need a Roommate Agreement?

Even if making an agreement isn't a lease requirement, it is a good idea when adding a new roommate. Future issues can be hard to foresee and resolve — even among close friends. You probably don't expect to sue your roommate someday. Yet, it does happen.

An agreement creates expectations to keep the living arrangement fair. They also provide protection and peace of mind because they are legally binding. Agreements can be valuable when addressing issues like rent nonpayment or moving out early. 

What Do Roommate Agreements Include?

A roommate agreement should cover everything important to you as a roommate and a renter. Consider the conflicts that often occur in a co-living situation, and discuss how you want to handle them.

Consider, for example, food. Some roommates wish to share groceries; others prefer to keep their food separate. Writing this down can help to resolve future conflicts and preserve the roommate relationship.

Set House Rules

One major category many roommates include in their agreements is "house rules." You can spell out those rules for everyone in the home, including visitors.

Examples of house rules include:

• Limits for overnight guests
• Upkeep of shared living spaces, like the kitchen or living room
• Rules about pets and guests' pets
• Respecting personal property
• Replacing supplies such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies
  
• Noise levels and quiet hours
• Use of parking spaces

Roommates should negotiate these rules carefully. Agreeing to rules you don't actually want still means you'll have to follow them later. That's why setting fair rules all parties can accept is essential. 

Divide Household Chores

Another common category of roommate agreements focuses on the maintenance of the rental unit. Creating a cleaning schedule during the lease term can help avoid any conflict over household duties.

A cleaning schedule can break down key chores, including:

• Who cleans common areas (each roommate should clean their private room)
• Times to clean common areas
• Schedule to take out garbage/recycling

Landlords have a duty to repair the property but not tenants' personal belongings. Consider also adding terms that describe who will be responsible for maintaining, fixing, or replacing communal items like appliances.

Put Financial Responsibilities in Writing

Roommate agreements should also cover financial responsibilities. All roommates to the original lease signed a binding contract with the landlord or property manager and agreed to a set monthly rent.

When you sign a lease with others, you are often liable for each other's obligations to the landlord. If your co-tenant does something that violates the rental agreement, it negatively affects you. Each roommate must understand their financial responsibilities during the tenancy.

The agreement should contain the following:

• Due dates for rent and utilities
• Where and how to send rent payments
• Amount of rent and utility bills for each roommate
• The process for early termination of the lease
• Move-in and end dates for each roommate
• The distribution date for the returned security deposit
• Actions that could lead to roommate eviction

A roommate contract can also clarify the consequences of financial irresponsibility. 

Quick Tips for Writing a Roommate Agreement

A roommate agreement can't always predict and prevent the problems you'll face while living together. Yet, it should be comprehensive enough to cover as many common or probable issues as possible. The terms should also be clear and specific.

Although you can find a free roommate agreement template online, take care with any legal document. It is smart to have a licensed attorney review the agreement to ensure it will hold up in court.

Each roommate should sign the agreement and keep a copy for themselves. If an argument develops, each person can refer to the terms in the document to resolve it. 

Review Your Roommate Agreement with a Lawyer

You should speak to a local attorney if you need help with a roommate situation or drafting a roommate agreement. Lawyers with landlord-tenant law experience can give you and your housemates sound legal advice. Speak to an experienced local landlord-tenant attorney today.