Free Roommate Rent Agreement Template [2025]

A roommate agreement is the single best thing you can do to prevent conflicts with the people you live with. It's not about distrust—it's about clarity.

When everyone knows what's expected, there's no room for "I thought we agreed" disagreements.

This guide includes a complete roommate agreement template and explains each section so you can customize it for your situation.

Why You Need a Roommate Agreement

Without an agreement:

• "I thought you were paying the electric bill"
• "I didn't know your boyfriend was moving in"
• "No one told me I couldn't have people over on weeknights"

With an agreement:

• Everyone knows their responsibilities
• Disputes have a reference point
• Expectations are clear from day one

A roommate agreement isn't legally binding like a lease (unless you draft it that way), but it creates accountability and prevents most common conflicts.

The Complete Roommate Agreement Template

Copy and customize this template for your household:

ROOMMATE AGREEMENT

Date: [Date]

Property Address: [Full address]

Lease Start Date: [Date] Lease End Date: [Date]

SECTION 1: ROOMMATES

SECTION 2: RENT

Total Monthly Rent: $[Amount]

Landlord/Property Manager: [Name]

Rent Due Date: [1st of the month / Other]

How rent was calculated: [Equal split / By room size / By room size + amenities / Other]

[Optional: Link to rent calculation: ________________]

Late Payment Policy:

• Grace period: [X] days after due date
• After grace period: [Late fee amount or action]
• If rent cannot be paid: [Notify roommates by X date, arrange coverage, repayment plan required]

SECTION 3: SECURITY DEPOSIT

Total Security Deposit Paid: $[Amount]

Deposit Return:

• Move-out inspection will be conducted together
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear will be charged to the responsible party
• If responsibility is unclear, cost is split equally among all roommates

SECTION 4: UTILITIES

Bill Payment Process:

• Bill Manager: [Name]
• Payment requests sent by: [X] day of the month
• Payment due by: [X] day of the month

SECTION 5: HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITIES

Common Area Cleaning: [ ] Rotating schedule [ ] Assigned areas [ ] Cleaned as needed by whoever makes the mess

Cleaning Schedule (if applicable):

Dishes: [Wash within 24 hours / Wash immediately / Other]

Shared Supplies (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.): [ ] Split cost equally [ ] Take turns buying [ ] Included in a household fund ($[X]/month each)

SECTION 6: GUESTS AND OVERNIGHT VISITORS

Guests:

• Guests are welcome in common areas
• Notify roommates if guests will be present for extended periods
• Guests may not use roommates' personal items without permission

Overnight Guests:

• Allowed: [X] nights per week maximum
• Must notify roommates: [ ] 24 hours in advance / [ ] Same day / [ ] No notice required
• Overnight guests may not stay more than [X] consecutive nights
• Guests using [X+] nights/month require roommate discussion about rent contribution

Long-Term Guests / Partners:

• Any guest staying more than [X] nights per month must be discussed
• If a partner is essentially living here, rent and utilities must be renegotiated

SECTION 7: QUIET HOURS AND SHARED SPACES

Quiet Hours: [X:00 PM] to [X:00 AM]

During quiet hours:

• Keep noise to a reasonable level
• Use headphones for music/TV
• No parties or large gatherings

Shared Spaces:

• Keep common areas clean and clear of personal items
• Don't monopolize shared spaces for extended periods
• Clean up after cooking within [X hours]

Personal Spaces:

• Roommates' bedrooms are private
• Knock and wait for response before entering
• Don't take items from others' rooms without permission

SECTION 8: PETS

[ ] No pets allowed [ ] Pets allowed with the following conditions:

Pet Owner: [Name] Pet Type: [Dog/Cat/Other] Pet Name: [Name]

Pet Responsibilities:

• Owner is responsible for all pet care, cleaning, and costs
• Owner pays any pet-related damage or deep cleaning upon move-out
• Pets are not allowed in other roommates' bedrooms without permission
• Owner ensures pet does not disturb other roommates

SECTION 9: SMOKING, ALCOHOL, AND SUBSTANCES

Smoking/Vaping: [ ] Not allowed indoors [ ] Allowed in designated areas only: [Location] [ ] No restrictions

Alcohol: [No restrictions / Only personal consumption / No parties / Other]

Cannabis/Other Substances: [Not allowed / Allowed privately / No restrictions]

SECTION 10: MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES

If a roommate wants to move out:

• Provide [30/60] days written notice to other roommates
• Help find a replacement if before lease end
• Replacement must be approved by all remaining roommates
• Responsible for rent until replacement is found or lease ends

When moving out:

• Remove all personal belongings
• Clean room and common areas
• Return keys to landlord and roommates
• Complete move-out inspection for deposit

Deposit return:

• Departing roommate's deposit share returned after: [ ] Replacement moves in and pays deposit [ ] Lease ends and deposit is returned by landlord

SECTION 11: CONFLICT RESOLUTION

If there's a disagreement:

1. Discuss the issue directly with the person(s) involved
2. If unresolved, hold a household meeting with all roommates
3. Refer to this agreement for guidance
4. If still unresolved, consider mediation

Household Meetings:

• Frequency: [Monthly/As needed]
• Any roommate can call a meeting with [24/48] hours notice

SECTION 12: AMENDMENTS

This agreement can be amended at any time with written consent of all roommates.

SIGNATURES

By signing below, all roommates agree to the terms of this agreement.

How to Use This Template

Step 1: Calculate Your Rent Split First

Before filling out the rent section, use a rent split calculator to determine fair amounts based on room size and amenities. Include a link to the calculation so everyone can reference it later.

Step 2: Discuss Before You Write

Don't fill this out alone and present it to roommates. Have a conversation first about expectations:

• How do we feel about overnight guests?
• Who wants to be responsible for which utilities?
• What are deal-breakers for each person?

Then document what you agreed on.

Step 3: Customize for Your Situation

Not every section will apply to you:

• No pets? Delete that section
• No concerns about substances? Remove or simplify
• Laid-back about guests? Keep it minimal

The template is a starting point, not a rigid form.

Step 4: Review Together

Read through the completed agreement together. Make sure everyone understands and agrees to each point. This is the time to raise concerns—not after signing.

Step 5: Sign and Store

Everyone signs and dates the agreement. Store it where all roommates can access it:

• Shared Google Drive folder
• Printed copy on the refrigerator
• Both

Step 6: Revisit Periodically

Check in on the agreement:

• At lease renewal
• When circumstances change (someone gets a pet, partner starts staying over frequently)
• If conflicts arise that aren't covered

What This Agreement Is (and Isn't)

What it IS:

• A mutual understanding between roommates
• A reference point for resolving disputes
• A way to set expectations upfront
• Protection for everyone's interests

What it ISN'T:

• A legally binding contract (unless drafted by a lawyer)
• A substitute for the lease
• Something that can override landlord rules
• A way to evict someone (that requires legal process)

Common Additions for Specific Situations

For Students

• Academic quiet hours during finals
• Semester-based lease terms
• Summer sublet provisions

For Working Professionals

• Work-from-home quiet hours
• Business guests policy
• Higher expectations for cleanliness

For Couples and Singles Mixed

• Couples' additional utility contribution
• Guest policy for partners
• Shower/bathroom scheduling

FAQ

Is a roommate agreement legally enforceable?

Generally no, unless you specifically draft it as a legal contract with appropriate language and witnesses. However, it creates a documented mutual understanding that can be referenced in disputes or small claims court.

What if a roommate refuses to sign?

This is a red flag. Someone who won't agree to reasonable shared expectations may cause problems later. Have a conversation about their concerns—but reconsider living with someone who won't commit to basic agreements.

Can we change the agreement later?

Yes! Include an amendments section. Any changes should be agreed to by all roommates and documented in writing.

Should we use a lawyer?

For most roommate situations, no. A simple agreement like this template is sufficient. If you're in a complex situation (subletting, significant money involved, previous conflicts), consulting a lawyer might be worthwhile.

What if someone breaks the agreement?

First, have a direct conversation. Refer to the specific section they're not following. If the behavior continues, escalate through your conflict resolution process. Serious or repeated violations may be grounds for asking them to leave.

The Bottom Line

A roommate agreement takes 30-60 minutes to create and can save you months of stress. It's not about expecting the worst—it's about making sure everyone's on the same page from day one.

Start by calculating your fair rent split, then use this template to document everything else. Your future self will thank you.

Ready to get your rent amounts right? Try our free calculator before filling out the rent section of your agreement.