Setting Up a Roommate Agreement

Importance of a Roommate Agreement

• Ensures a safe and comfortable living environment.
• Helps clarify living arrangements and responsibilities.
• Can prevent disputes by outlining responsibilities beforehand.
• Not a legal document like a lease, but a mutual understanding.

Preparing for a Roommate Agreement

• Discuss the idea with your roommate before drafting.
• Gain buy-in from both parties for effective adherence.
• List out desired terms and meet to discuss mutual responsibilities.
• Amendable over time as living circumstances change.
• Best to prepare before signing the lease.

Key Components of a Roommate Agreement

Rent Responsibilities

• Determine rent split (e.g., 50/50 or proportional to room size).
• Include rent amounts, due dates, and payment recipient.
• Security deposit details: who paid or how it was split.

Additional Expenses

• Outline responsibility for utilities, cable, streaming services.
• Decide which services will be shared and who pays.

Cleaning Responsibilities

• Specify cleaning duties for bedrooms and common areas.
• Itemize tasks like dishes, vacuuming, bathroom cleaning, etc.
• Larger tasks (fridge, oven cleaning) can be scheduled and alternated.

Groceries and Shared Spaces

• Decide if food will be communal or separate.
• Clarify which areas/items are for shared or personal use.

Guest Policies

• Discuss handling of unexpected guests and overnight visitors.
• Outline rules for visitor permissions and timing.

Lifestyle Considerations

• Address smoking, alcohol, and drug use.
• Clarify party rules and noise restrictions.

Parking Arrangements

• Discuss parking spot usage and possible rent adjustments.

Temperature Preferences

• Agree on home temperature and associated heating costs.

Moving Out

• Establish procedures if one roommate wishes to leave.
• Responsibility for finding new roommates and rent payment.

Additional Recommendations

• Consider getting renters insurance to protect belongings.
• Visit Squareoneinsurance.com for insurance quotes.