Roommate agreement checklist

Definition

A roommate agreement checklist is a structured list of topics and rules that roommates discuss and document to create a clear, fair, and conflict-free living arrangement. In real estate, it acts as an internal contract among people sharing a rental property that clarifies expectations about money, chores, house rules, shared items, and lease-related responsibilities.

Why it matters in real estate

Using a roommate agreement checklist helps prevent misunderstandings that can affect the tenancy—late rent, damaged property, guest disputes, or unequal chore loads. Landlords and tenants both benefit when roommates document payment methods, security deposit handling, and responsibilities tied to the lease or the rental unit.

Common elements in a roommate agreement checklist

• Basic information: Names of roommates, property address, lease term, move-in date, and tenant roles (primary tenant vs. roommate).
• Rent and payments: Individual shares, due date, payment method (each pays landlord or one person collects), handling of the security deposit, and late-payment consequences.
• Utilities and bills: Which utilities are shared (electricity, water, internet), how bills are split and who pays them.
• Cleaning and chores: Schedule or rotation for kitchen, bathroom, living room, trash, and common-area upkeep.
• Noise and quiet hours: Agreed times for reduced noise to accommodate work, study, and sleep.
• Guest policy: Rules for overnight visitors, frequency/duration limits, and notification or approval procedures.
• Food and supplies: Whether groceries and consumables are shared, how costs are tracked, or if items are kept separate.
• Use of common areas and personal property: Privacy expectations, off-limit rooms, and rules about borrowing or using others' belongings.
• Pets and smoking: Permissions, restrictions, or designated areas for smoking and pets.
• Temperature and utilities use: Thermostat guidelines or limits to avoid disputes and high bills.
• Move-out procedures: Protocols for early move-outs, finding a replacement roommate, continued rent responsibility, and handling of damage or cleaning before vacating.

Real-world examples

• Prior to move-in: Prospective roommates meet, list priorities (cleanliness, guests, rent division), write them down, and sign the checklist to set expectations.
• Rent collection: Checklist states whether each roommate pays the landlord directly or a designated roommate collects and forwards rent, plus deadlines and late fees.
• Cleaning rotation: A weekly rota is added to the checklist to ensure common areas are cleaned and reduce conflict.
• Guest limits: Agreement limits overnight guests to a certain number of nights per month or requires advance notice.
• Food rules: Roommates agree to label personal food, keep a shared grocery fund, or alternate cooking duties depending on preferences.
• Early move-out scenario: Checklist explains responsibilities for finding a replacement and paying rent until a new tenant is approved, protecting remaining roommates.

How to create and use a roommate agreement checklist

1. Hold a meeting: Discuss finances, habits, and priorities before signing a lease or moving in.
2. Draft the checklist: Cover the common elements above and add any household-specific rules.
3. Be specific: Include amounts, dates, names, and procedures (e.g., "rent due by the 1st; $50 late fee after the 5th").
4. Sign and store: Have all roommates sign a copy and keep it accessible—printed or digital.
5. Revisit and update: Review the checklist when circumstances change (new roommate, change in utilities, lease renewal).

Legal and practical notes

A roommate agreement checklist is primarily a private agreement between occupants and is separate from the official lease unless the landlord is a party to it. While it helps resolve disputes and documents expectations, it may not override the lease or local tenant laws. For issues involving eviction, lease violations, or deposit disputes, the official lease and applicable laws generally control. When possible, align the checklist with the lease and notify the landlord of any major changes that affect tenancy terms.

Quick printable checklist (starter items)

• Names, address, lease dates
• Rent amount each / due date / payment method
• Security deposit split and responsibilities
• Utilities included and payment plan
• Cleaning schedule
• Quiet hours
• Guest/overnight policy
• Food sharing rules
• Pet/smoking rules
• Move-out notice and replacement process

Using a roommate agreement checklist improves transparency, reduces conflict, and creates accountability—making shared rentals smoother for everyone involved.