What is a Roommate Agreement?

A Roommate Agreement template is a written contract between roommates that outlines their rights and obligations while living together.

This agreement may include restrictions or expectations around smoking, pets, guests, parties, and other house rules. For a Roommate Agreement to be useful, everyone sharing the household must agree to its terms and sign it.

A Roommate Agreement is also known as a:

• Roommate contract

• Housemate agreement

• Roommate living agreement

• Contract between roommates

Why should I use a Roommate Agreement template?

A Roommate Agreement template helps you and your roommates set clear expectations before or during a shared living arrangement. By putting responsibilities in writing, you can help prevent misunderstandings and avoid future disputes.

LawDepot’s template guides you through important topics to discuss before your move, such as rent, utilities, chores, house rules, guests, and move-out terms.

You may benefit from using a Roommate Agreement if you are:

• Moving in with a friend

• Moving in with a stranger

• Renting out a room in your home 

• Subleasing a room to someone else

• Moving into shared student housing with a dormmate or roommate

Whether your rental arrangement is month-to-month, fixed-term, or informal, a written agreement can help everyone understand their responsibilities and feel more confident about living together. 

Essential components of a Roommate Agreement

A Roommate Agreement should clearly outline each roommate's responsibilities and expectations. Common sections include:

1. Property, roommate, and lease details

A list of the names of each roommate, the rental property address, landlord information, and any existing lease dates or renewal terms.

2. Agreement terms:

Set start and end dates for the Roommate Agreement, including whether it aligns with the lease term or has a separate timeline.

3. Rent responsibilities:

Details on how rent will be divided, when payments are due, and how rent will be collected and submitted to the landlord. Keep in mind that landlords usually prefer one rent payment. 

4. Security deposit details:

An explanation of how roommates will split, reimburse, or transfer responsibility for any security deposit between themselves.

5. Utilities and household costs:

Decisions on how roommates will split expenses for utilities and other costs (e.g., gas, water, Wi-Fi, electricity, trash removal, television services, and more).

6. House rules and roommate duties:

Expectations for guest etiquette, quiet hours, smoking, alcohol, parties, cleaning, pets, parking, privacy, and property damage. 

7. Move-out and ending terms:

An outline on how much notice a roommate must give before leaving, how forwarding addresses or abandoned property will be handled, and what steps roommates should follow if someone wants to end the arrangement.

Please note: If both roommates are on the lease, they will likely have to follow the landlord’s set termination and notice requirements. Reference the original lease agreement to confirm which requirements your landlord has outlined. 

How to create a Roommate Agreement using LawDepot’s template

Creating a Roommate Agreement starts by outlining each roommate’s responsibilities. LawDepot’s Roommate Agreement template guides you through the process so you can create a customized agreement without starting from scratch.

As you answer the questionnaire, LawDepot uses your responses to fill out each key section of your agreement. 

First, select whether there is a written lease agreement with the landlord, then complete the following steps:

1. Add the property and lease details:

Enter the property address and, if applicable, the landlord’s lease details, including the lease start date, lease end date, and landlord’s name.

2. Enter roommate and agreement details

Add each roommate’s name and choose when the Roommate Agreement will end.

3. Decide how to split costs and handle payments:

 Explain how roommates will split rent, security deposits, utilities, and shared household costs. You can also choose who will collect rent, pay the landlord, and keep payment records.

4. Set house rules and duties:

Add rules for guests, smoking, quiet hours, alcohol, parties, cleaning, pets, parking, personal property, living arrangements, and damage.

5. Plan for move-out and end-of-term:

Choose how much notice a roommate must give before leaving, when they must provide a forwarding address, and how abandoned property will be handled. If there is a lease, you can also choose whether the move-out rules follow it. 

6. Add final clauses and signing details:

Include custom terms, choose whether a witness is needed, set a signing date if known, and collect signatures from each roommate. 

Roommate Agreement FAQs