Guide to Creating a Roommate Agreement

Sep 7, 2024

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.