Sample Roommate Agreement

Your rental lease terms usually don't include individual roommate responsibilities or expectations, such as how long dishes stay in the sink, when to communicate about having friends over, or utility payment details. Landlords generally avoid involvement in roommate conflicts, especially if no lease terms are violated. Furthermore, if you are in a joint lease and one roommate violates the lease agreement (by being late on rent, for example, or violating local noise ordinances), you will likely be held equally responsible for your roommates' actions.

It's important to create a roommate agreement ahead of time to set the ground rules. Discussing and putting all household expectations in writing upfront will save you a world of hassle later on.

Download and adapt the form below with your roommates, and discuss a plan for how to hold everyone to the agreement.

(Click to enlarge/download.)