Roommate Agreement Checklist — Split Rent, Rules & Deposit Plans

Answer

What a roommate agreement is: A roommate agreement is a written contract between people who share a rental unit that spells out money, chores, rules and responsibilities. Unlike the formal lease between tenant and landlord, a roommate agreement sits between co-tenants (or tenants and occupants) and helps prevent misunderstandings, document expectations, and provide evidence if disputes arise.

What to include: A clear agreement covers rent and bills (who pays what and when), security deposit division, utility accounts, guest and pet rules, cleaning and chore schedules, quiet hours, rules for common areas, smoking, parking, and a process for handling repairs or damage. Include move-in/move-out dates, notice periods for ending the roommateship (commonly 30–60 days), subletting rules, and a plan for replacing a roommate who moves out.

• Money: exact rent shares (percentages or dollar amounts), due dates, late fees, and which bank accounts or apps will be used.
• Bills: who is responsible for electricity, internet, water, trash, and how overages get split.
• Deposits & inspections: how the security deposit will be divided and who arranges the move-out inspection.
• House rules: guests, parties, pets, smoking, noise, and cleaning expectations.
• Conflict resolution: preferred communication, mediation, and how to handle repeated breaches.

Make the agreement written and dated; have all roommates sign and keep copies. Attach a copy of the landlord’s lease terms if relevant so everyone understands rules that could affect the group. While a roommate agreement won’t override the landlord’s lease, it helps manage shared obligations and provides practical remedies like tracked payments or agreed buy-out formulas.

For serious disputes, or to set enforceable clauses (security deposit splits, buy-outs), it’s advisable to consult a licensed attorney or local tenant-rights group. Also check local laws—security deposit return timelines and allowable fee practices vary by state and municipality.