065- Roommate agreement- what and why?

This is part 3 of a series about property management. Part 1 can be found HERE and Part 2 can be found HERE. I put this together to help young or new renters become good tenants (like Adulting 101), but I think it can be helpful for everyone. I've also included a download link at the bottom so you can save it, if you'd like.

WHY DO YOU NEED ONE?

It helps prevent problems- The most likely problems between roommates or housemates include: being loud or partying, not cleaning, different sleep schedules, borrowing items, generally not getting along, problems with guests or friends, disagreements over bills, lack of respect, and privacy.

A roommate agreement gets you on the same page, sets some ground rules, and guides expectations.

It provides an easier way to work through problems, should they arise. Even with best or close friends, people get into arguments. Instead of it festering until it blows out of proportion, you can refer to the roommate agreement to help solve problems. 

A roommate agreement could be considered a legally binding contract that both you and your roommate(s) agree upon and sign before moving in together.  

A roommate agreement can help outline responsibilities and rules to prevent any surprises.

WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE?

1.Paying rent: How will you pay rent? Are you all going to pay the landlord separately? Will one person pay rent and the others reimburse them? If so, will you issue a receipt? Will you divide the rent evenly, or will the rent be based on bedroom size or other considerations? What will happen if one roommate doesn’t pay their portion?

2.Splitting bills: Since bills can only be in one person's name, figure out which shared bills will need to be paid each month, and how you'll be splitting expenses. The roommate agreement can dictate how core utilities will get divided up and paid for, and include a date for when to pay these. While you're talking bills, discuss other shared items like toilet paper. 

3.Moving out early: Life circumstances could cause one of you to move out early. Maybe it wasn't a match. Set expectations in case this happens. How much notice to give your housemates? Do you need to find a replacement roommate before moving out? Does the landlord need to approve a replacement?  

4.Security deposit split: How will you handle the security deposit split if the landlord does not return all of it? Where will the refund check be sent? What if one roommate caused damage to the unit? Document (with photos or videos) instances of damage and repairs, when it happens, so you have a record of it when you move out. 

5.Roommate schedules: Being aware of schedules (and showing courtesy) goes a long way. Are you up at 5 a.m. and like to play music while you get ready? Maybe a roommate doesn't wake up until 2 p.m. because they work nights. Put everyone's schedules on paper and tack them up in the kitchen or someplace visible.

6.Quiet hours: Set the expectation of quiet hours to provide downtime, privacy, and an established time with a minimum amount of noise. Maybe you prefer your roommate not knock on your door. This comes into play when you're sharing schedules and figuring out how to go about your day respectfully.

7.Guests and significant others No one wants a surprise extra roommate. Couples often have sleepovers, but if you don't want to see your roommate's significant other over more often than not, it's best to discuss it and put it in the roommate agreement. This will help avoid an awkward conversation and keep guests from overstaying their welcome.

8.Pets: Hopefully, you already know if one of you is a pet owner. It's important to include pets in the roommate agreement. If your landlord allows pets, know what fees the pet owner must pay. Spell out if it's okay to get a pet in the future. If one of you is allergic to any animals, write in the contract that they're not allowed in the apartment.

9. Cleaning and chores: Each roommate my have a different definitions of "clean." By talking about it, you can create a cleaning schedule that hits all the high notes. Shared spaces usually need cleaning the most. They also require a specific set of cleaning supplies, which you will need to buy.

10. Food sharing: How will the food, grocery shopping and cooking responsibilities be shared? Will you split the costs, or will everyone worry about their own shopping? Will each person have separate food storage areas in the fridge and kitchen?

11. Temperature expectations: To avoid getting into a passive-aggressive temperature-changing war and paying a ton for the air-conditioning or heat, agree on summer and winter thermostat settings that you and your roommate are comfortable with, and include it in the roommate agreement.

12.Bathroom and kitchen usage schedule: Knowing each other's daily routines will help. Maybe you shower at night and your roommate showers in the morning. Figure out what works best for each of your schedules and add this to the agreement. You may even want to create a shared calendar.

13. Resolving conflicts: Agree on how you'll handle conflicts and communicate anything that isn't in the roommate agreement. For example, do you prefer to text about it or have a roommate meeting? Is there an unbiased person that can help you work through problems?

This guide was written and compiled by Sarah Albin. © 2023

Disclaimer: Sarah Albin is an experienced Property Manager and Real Estate Broker in California, but she is not an attorney. This is not meant to be legal advice and should not be construed as such. Following the advice in this post does not guarantee approval by a landlord or Property Manager. This is useful information to help rental applicants.