What is a Roommate Agreement?

A “roommate agreement" has become increasingly popular among young adults looking to share an apartment or home with someone else.

Basically, it's an informal contractual agreement that lays out each roommate's wants, wishes and expectations of living with the other roommate(s). More or less, it's a piece of writing that both roommates agree upon so that their time living together is easy and seamless.

What does it entail?

Whatever you want to include. From keeping the sink free of dirty dishes to weeknight guests, the roommate agreement can contain absolutely whatever you both agree upon. Maybe you both agree that neither roommate is allowed to have anyone over on Sunday because that's your chill day. And maybe you both agree that there are no animals allowed in the apartment. Include whatever may be important to you at the time.

Pros of a roommate agreement

• Gets awkward confrontation out of the way by talking about things in the beginning of your lease together
• Don't have to worry about as many problems coming up in the future
• Most things are already agreed upon

Cons of a roommate agreement

• Might be uncomfortable dealing with the consequences of a broken rule
• Impossible to include everything
• Might not be taken seriously

How to make a roommate agreement

Simply talk to your roommate(s). You might be surprised how open to the idea that he or she might be! In the long run, it could be super helpful to your relationship as roommates.

Additional resources

• Should You Create a Roommate Agreement?
• Roommate Agreement Template
• 13 Items You Must Include in Your Roommate Agreement
• What is a Pet Agreement?
• Common Terms and Policies to Help You Understand a Rental Lease

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