Sample Roommate Agreement

Your rental lease terms usually don't encompass 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 (for example, by being late on rent or violating local noise ordinances), you will likely be held equally responsible for your roommates' actions, even if they violate the terms of your lease.

This is why it's crucial to create a roommate agreement. Discussing and putting all household expectations in writing upfront will save you a world of hassle later on and allow you to stay more focused on school or avoid added stress caused by issues at home.

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.)