Are you moving in with a new roommate but unsure about the terms of your living arrangement? A contract for roommates can help alleviate any potential conflicts or misunderstandings down the line. Here are some samples and key things to include:
1. Rent and Utilities
Clearly state how much rent each person is responsible for and how utilities will be divided. Will each person pay an equal portion or will it be based on usage? Make sure to specify the due date for rent and when late fees will apply.
2. Security Deposit
It’s important to establish how much the security deposit will be and how it will be returned at the end of the lease. Determine who will be responsible for damages or cleaning fees and how that will be deducted from the deposit.
3. House Rules
Establish a set of house rules that everyone agrees to, including areas such as cleaning schedules, guest policy, noise levels, smoking policy, and any other pertinent rules.
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Determine who will be responsible for minor repairs and maintenance, and how major repairs will be handled. Will you split the cost evenly or assign responsibility based on who caused the damage?
5. Termination and Renewal
Include a clause for terminating the lease or renewing it. Determine how much notice is required to terminate the lease and if there are any penalties for breaking the agreement before the end of the lease.
Here is a sample roommate contract to get you started:
ROOMMATE CONTRACT
This roommate contract is made and entered into on [date] by and between [Roommate 1] and [Roommate 2] for the purpose of sharing a rented dwelling located at [address].
1. Rent and Utilities
The monthly rent for the dwelling is $[amount], and each roommate will be responsible for half that amount. All utilities will be divided equally among the roommates.
2. Security Deposit
The security deposit for the dwelling is $[amount] and will be divided equally among the roommates. Damages or cleaning fees will be deducted from the security deposit.
3. House Rules
The following house rules will be agreed upon and followed by all roommates:
– A cleaning schedule will be established and followed by all roommates
– No guests will be allowed without prior permission from all roommates
– Noise levels will be kept to a minimum after [time]
– Smoking is not allowed inside the dwelling
– [Add any other rules or policies that are important]
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Minor repairs and maintenance will be the responsibility of each individual roommate. Major repairs will be divided equally among all roommates.
5. Termination and Renewal
Either roommate may terminate this agreement by giving [amount of notice] notice. The lease will be renewed automatically on a month-to-month basis unless otherwise agreed upon by all roommates.
Signed:
[Roommate 1]
[Roommate 2]
Remember, a roommate contract is a legally binding document, so make sure to read it over thoroughly and have all roommates sign it before moving in. It may seem like a hassle, but it can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.