Things to Include in a Roommate Agreement

Are you moving to a college dorm and are asked to sign a roommate agreement? Out of state movers suggest that if you have heard about roommate agreement for the first time, you need to read this post till the end and brush your understanding.

What is a roommate agreement?

A roommate agreement is a contract or deal that ensures that you and your potential roommate are on the same page when it comes to the responsibilities and expectations. Remember that living with a roommate means there are lots of sacrifices that you have to make and it becomes even more difficult when both of you have to read one another's mind.

To make it a little easier, it is a great way to have roommate agreement in hands before you start living along with all the terms and conditions that both of you have to follow. It should contain all the guidelines that what in which the living situation both of you have to live.

Most people consider that a roommate agreement is the same as a lease. A lease is a contract that sets expectations between a landlord and a tenant. While on the other hand, a roommate contract sets expectations between tenant and tenant. Have a look at the things that a roommate agreement should include:

1. Rent

It is important to discuss what percent of the rent you and your roommate have to pay. Most of the roommates divide their rent evenly, however, there are no restrictions on that because as per the convenience, rent can be divided into uneven parts as well. Most of the landlord chooses to get a lump sum of amount instead of multi payments. In the end, all the rules and regulations regarding the payment of the rent should be there included in the roommate agreement and both of you have to follow it.

2. Utilities

Similar to the rent, both of you have to decide on what proportion both of you will pay utility bills. Here utility bills include water bill, electricity bill, internet subscription, gas, and so on. You can put up all the utility bills under one roommate or according to the needs of the person. Like if one does not use the internet and another person needs it then payment can be done by the same and the first one does not need to pay the amount for the internet subscription. While there are also some utility bills that both of you have to pay in proportion.

3. Guests

Of course, guests are also a part of the home and roommates have to accept it. There are specific topics that you should discuss beforehand like whether the overnight guests are permitted or not. You should also discuss how many days and how many guests can stay there. These are certain things that should include in the roommate agreement.

4. Household chores

When it comes to sharing room or home, it is important to divide the household chores before you start living so both of you would not end up in finding yourself in any conflict. Of course, everyone has different living and cleaning styles and that has been based on their personal preferences and upbringing. So, to limit it, it is important to divide up all the household chores in the roommate agreement so both of you would not find yourself in a hassle later.

5. Space division

The space division should also be included in the contract. It should be written in the contract which part is your private space and which one is a common space present in the flat. It should also include that who should have what bedroom and bathroom. Also divide the other rented space such as a garage, parking space and so on. So, later both of you would not find any problem in sharing the space.

6. Food

When it comes to food, not many people are alike. You must ask for the preferences of your roommate, whether or not they prefer to share food as well as their additional expectations. It is important to have a clear discussion about all such preferences about sharing food. You must also discuss which items you would like to share and which you don't.

Make sure both of you discuss almost all the things that can become issues later. Remember that living with a roommate is not easy, there are a lot of things that you have to cover up. That is why it is a great idea to put everything in written before you started living. Just have a copy of the agreement so both of you can have realistic expectations later.