The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Roommate Agreement

By Richard Warner

I have been an investor and landlord for 5 years. When I got my official real estate license, I started as a First Time Homebuyer Specialist and have since received specialization certifications in Luxury Homes, Probate, and Divorce.

Having a roommate can be great at first, but without a solid roommate agreement, things can quickly get out of hand, leading to financial issues and possibly losing a friend. If you don’t set clear rules in writing from the start, even the best intentions can turn into bitter conflicts.

From managing finances to dividing chores, unclear expectations can create more than just the awkward “Whose hair is in the drain?” moment—it opens the door to chaos.

Whether you’re moving in with a best friend, a stranger, or that one cousin your family thought would be easy to live with, having guidelines helps everyone stay aligned. Trust me, nothing tests a relationship like unexpected arguments over small issues. But don’t worry, a roommate agreement can solve this. Here are three steps to create a foolproof agreement:

Rule #1 Clarifying responsibilities. A roommate agreement should clearly outline daily responsibilities. This includes dividing household chores, managing shared expenses, and deciding on shared space usage. A good agreement should include a written and signed reference sheet that ensures everyone knows who’s paying for what.

So, the first part of your agreement should state how much each person pays each month, including a late fee for overdue payments with a grace period. Chores should rotate weekly, covering tasks like cleaning the kitchen and bathroom, taking out the trash, and vacuuming common areas. Each roommate should also clean up their personal messes right away.

Roommates are responsible for their own groceries, and labeling food items can help avoid confusion. I recommend using color-coded dishes—Amazon has cheap bundles with forks and everything. This makes it easy to tell whose mess is whose after a late night.

Rule #2 Setting boundaries. Personal space and boundaries are often overlooked when moving in together, but they are crucial for maintaining a positive living situation. A roommate agreement should address issues like quiet hours, guest policies, and fridge etiquette.

It should state that quiet hours are from a start time to an end time on weekdays, and another start time to an end time on weekends. Loud music, TV, and other disruptive activities are prohibited during quiet hours.

Guests are allowed, but you need to give advance notice for overnight stays. They can only stay for a set number of consecutive nights unless both roommates agree otherwise. Guests must follow house rules and respect shared spaces.

We also need to address pets. Even if you don’t have any, roommates should agree on a pet policy. This should include who can feed or discipline the pet, who to notify about any pet-related issues, and that any additional pets need approval from all roommates. It’s important to get this in writing.

Rule #3 Conflict resolution. Disagreements are bound to happen, especially if one of them thinks folding laundry means shoving it into a pile in the corner of the living room. A roommate agreement helps outline a plan for resolving disputes before they even happen.

You might resolve disagreements with a calm discussion or even a coin toss. Either way, having a system in place leads to fewer awkward silences in the kitchen and more Netflix marathons on the couch.

Roommates should agree to address any issues calmly within a few days of them arising. Don’t let too much time pass before talking about things. Always have these discussions privately, and one-on-one. Only if absolutely necessary should you involve a mutual friend, landlord, or a professional like myself for mediation.

Rule #4 Moving out guidelines. Each roommate should give at least one to two months’ notice if they plan to move out, and they must understand they could still be responsible for rent and utilities for the agreed duration. When moving out, the departing roommate should clean their room and any shared spaces they used, as well as remove all their belongings, including any unwanted furniture.

If they leave anything behind, it becomes forfeit, and they should cover the cost of removal. It’s essential to have all this in writing.

Pro Tip: Always visit a potential roommate’s current home before inviting them to live with you. This helps you check their hygiene and the overall cleanliness of their space, ideally when they least expect it.

A solid roommate agreement is essential to ensure smooth, drama-free living with your roommate. It’s like relationship counseling, but much cheaper and less awkward. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, I can help you draft the perfect set of rules so everyone knows what to expect.

If you have any questions about this topic or ideas for future videos, please reach out. You can contact me at (502) 338-2861 or rich@howtoaffordhomes.com. I’m always happy to hear from you.