does a roommate agreement need to be notarized

Residential Roommate Living Agreement

Instructions for Use

• Fill in all bracketed information accurately; ensure all parties review the document in its entirety before signing.
• While this document is legally binding when signed, it does not strictly require notarization to be enforceable in most jurisdictions; however, having a witness present during signing can provide additional evidentiary support.
• Keep one original signed copy for each roommate and store it in a secure location for the duration of the lease term.

Parties and Property

This Agreement is made on [Date] between the following individuals (the "Roommates"):

1. [Full Legal Name] ("Roommate 1")
2. [Full Legal Name] ("Roommate 2")
3. [Full Legal Name] ("Roommate 3")

The Roommates reside at the following premises: [Full Street Address, City, State, Zip Code] (the "Premises").

Operative Terms

1. Term: This agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and continue until [End Date] or until the lease for the Premises is terminated.

2. Rent Obligations: The total monthly rent for the Premises is $[Amount]. The roommates agree to split the rent as follows:

• Rent shall be paid to the landlord by the [Day] of each month.

3. Security Deposit: The total security deposit paid to the landlord is $[Amount]. The roommates agree to contribute to this deposit as follows: [List breakdown of contributions].

4. Utilities and Expenses: Monthly utilities, including [Electricity/Gas/Water/Internet/Cable], shall be divided [Equally / Pro-rata based on usage]. Expenses shall be paid by [Date] each month.

5. House Rules:

• Quiet Hours: [Time] to [Time]
• Overnight Guests: [Describe policy, e.g., max 3 nights per week]
• Cleaning Responsibilities: [Describe expectations for shared spaces]
• Smoking/Vaping: [Allowed / Prohibited] inside the Premises.

6. Termination and Subletting: No roommate may sublet their portion of the Premises without the express written consent of the remaining Roommates and the Landlord. If a Roommate moves out early, they remain responsible for their share of the rent until a replacement is approved by the Landlord and all Roommates.

7. Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute, the Roommates agree to participate in a good-faith discussion. If unresolved, the parties agree to seek mediation before pursuing legal action.

Signature and Acknowledgment

By signing below, the Roommates acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms set forth above.

Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Legal Disclaimer: This document serves as a general framework for household expectations and financial obligations. It does not replace the primary lease agreement with the landlord. Laws governing residential tenancies vary significantly by state and municipality; consult with qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with your local jurisdiction.