How to Write Up a Contract When Living With a Roommate

Living with a roommate can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a source of stress and contention if there aren't clear expectations. Roommates should write up a contract that clearly spells out the rules. Creating a roommate contract is fairly quick and painless, and it will save everyone involved headaches and frustration when conflicts arise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss expectations with your roommate. Encourage honesty and forthrightness. Write down the rules you and your roommate agree to abide by during your conversation.

2. Address the financial aspect of your roommate situation including rent, renter's insurance and all utilities. Be clear about who is expected to pay for what, when payment is due and to whom the payment is given.

3. Decide if each roommate will buy their own groceries, or if the roommates will buy groceries together. Make sure everyone understands any limits and rules regarding the groceries. For example, you may choose to label groceries with your names.

4. Agree on whether alcohol, tobacco or other substances will be allowed in the household.

5. Define your rules for visitors, including overnight visitors. Make sure that everyone understands when visitors are and aren't allowed, how many visitors are allowed, if all of the roommates need to be alerted before a visitor stops by and the type of behavior that is and is not acceptable from visitors. Also touch on rules for parties and get-togethers.

6. Decide who will be responsible for household maintenance, upkeep and regular cleaning. If the responsibility will be shared, be clear about who is responsible for what. Agree upon standards for cleanliness, maintenance and upkeep.

7. Lay out your expectations and rules for personal space, personal items and privacy.

8. Clarify the length of the agreement, or rental lease, and the rules for departure. Indicate how much notice is required to move out, and if subletting is allowed. Decide if breaking any of the rules is grounds for ending a roommate relationship.

9. Type up the rules and print out a copy of the contract for each roommate. Have each roommate sign and date the contract.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that compromise is key when living with another person. If you don't agree on something, try to find middle ground. Consider posting a copy of the contract somewhere everyone can see it, like the refrigerator.
• Even if you are old friends with your roommate, it is still important to write up a roommate contract.