what is a roommate agreement

Residential Co-Tenancy and House Rules Agreement

Instructions for Use

• Fill in all bracketed information accurately; ensure all parties have a copy of the original lease agreement for the premises.
• Discuss each clause openly with all roommates before signing to ensure mutual understanding of financial and behavioral expectations.
• Keep the signed original in a secure location and provide a digital copy to all signatories for reference in the event of a dispute.

Parties and Premises

This Agreement is entered into on [Date] by and between: Roommate 1: [Full Legal Name] Roommate 2: [Full Legal Name] Roommate 3: [Full Legal Name] (Collectively, the "Roommates") regarding the premises located at: [Full Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, Zip Code] (the "Premises").

Operative Terms

1. Term: This agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and remain in effect until [End Date], or until the termination of the primary lease agreement with the landlord.

2. Rent and Utilities:

   • Monthly Rent: Total rent is $[Amount]. Each roommate shall pay $[Amount] by the [Day] of each month.
   • Utilities: [ ] Split equally [ ] Split by usage [ ] Other: [__________].
   • Payment Method: Rent shall be paid via [Method, e.g., Venmo, Check, Portal] to [Designated Payee].

3. Security Deposit: The security deposit of $[Amount] is held by the landlord. Roommates acknowledge their individual contributions:

   • Any deductions made by the landlord upon move-out shall be shared [ ] equally [ ] in proportion to the contribution above.

4. House Chores and Maintenance: The Roommates agree to maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition. A rotating chore schedule is [ ] Attached [ ] To be determined. Common areas shall be cleaned [ ] Weekly [ ] Bi-weekly.

5. Guests and Quiet Hours:

   • Overnight guests are limited to [Number] nights per month.
   • Quiet hours are observed from [Start Time] to [End Time] on weekdays and [Start Time] to [End Time] on weekends.

6. Smoking and Pets:

   • Smoking [ ] Is permitted [ ] Is prohibited inside the Premises.
   • Pets [ ] Are permitted [ ] Are prohibited. If permitted, the pet owner is solely responsible for all damages, cleaning, and noise.

7. Conflict Resolution: In the event of a disagreement, the Roommates agree to hold a house meeting within [Number] days to resolve the issue in good faith. If unresolved, the parties may seek mediation.

8. Early Departure: If a roommate vacates the Premises before the lease end date, they remain liable for their share of rent until a replacement is approved by the landlord and the remaining roommates.

Signature and Acknowledgment

Roommate 1 Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Roommate 2 Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Roommate 3 Signature: __________ Printed Name: [Full Legal Name] Date: [Date]

Legal Disclaimer: This document is a general framework intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding tenancies and co-habitation vary significantly by state and municipality. You should consult with qualified legal counsel in your jurisdiction to ensure this agreement complies with local regulations and your primary lease terms.