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Roommate Agreement Template – Free Download 2026
Download a professional roommate agreement template. Customizable for all 50 states, available in PDF and DOCX formats. Attorney-verified and ready to use.
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When Do You Need a Roommate Agreement?
You are moving in with one or more roommates and want a written agreement covering rent responsibilities, utility payments, and house rules to prevent future conflicts.
You need to establish clear expectations about shared expenses, common areas, guests, noise, and cleaning responsibilities before cohabitation begins.
You are the primary tenant on the lease and want to protect yourself by documenting each roommate's financial obligations and move-out terms.
What Should a Roommate Agreement Include?
Rent and Utility Split
How much each roommate pays for rent and utilities, payment due dates, and how shared expenses (internet, cleaning supplies, etc.) are divided.
Common Area Rules
Rules for kitchen, bathroom, and living room use — cleaning schedules, food storage, noise levels, and quiet hours.
Guest and Overnight Visitor Policy
Limits on overnight guests, advance notice requirements, and whether long-term guests trigger additional rent contributions.
Move-Out Terms
Required notice period for moving out (typically 30 days), responsibility for finding a replacement, and security deposit allocation.
Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Roommate Agreement
Review the standard legal provisions included in a professional roommate agreement. Each section below contains clause language used in attorney-verified templates.
Parties & Premises Identification
This Roommate Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [____________] by and among the following individuals (each a "Roommate" and collectively the "Roommates"): (1) [____________], whose room/space is [____________]; (2) [____________], whose room/space is [____________]; (3) [____________], whose room/space is [____________]; and (4) [____________], whose room/space is [____________] (add additional parties as needed). The Roommates agree to reside together at the premises located at [____________] (the "Premises") pursuant to the master lease agreement dated [____________] between [____________] ("Landlord") and [list all tenants on the master lease] (the "Master Lease").
This Agreement governs the rights and obligations of the Roommates with respect to their shared occupancy of the Premises. This Agreement is separate from and subordinate to the Master Lease; in the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the Master Lease, the terms of the Master Lease shall control. This Agreement does not create any landlord-tenant relationship between the Roommates, does not grant any Roommate the right to evict another Roommate (which right remains exclusively with the Landlord), and does not modify any Roommate's obligations to Landlord under the Master Lease.
Each Roommate who is a party to the Master Lease acknowledges that such Roommate is jointly and severally liable to Landlord for all obligations under the Master Lease, including payment of the full monthly rent. This Agreement establishes the internal allocation of costs and responsibilities among the Roommates but does not affect each Roommate's full legal liability to Landlord. Any Roommate who fails to pay their allocated share of rent or other costs as set forth herein shall be liable to the other Roommates for such amount, and the other Roommates may pursue any available legal remedy to recover such amount.
Rent & Expense Allocation
The total monthly rent due under the Master Lease is $__________. The Roommates agree to divide the monthly rent as follows: [Roommate 1]: $__________ ([___]%); [Roommate 2]: $__________ ([___]%); [Roommate 3]: $__________ ([___]%); [Roommate 4]: $__________ ([___]%). [If applicable: The foregoing allocation reflects a differential based on the following factors: [relative size of private bedrooms / exclusive use of bathroom / other agreed factors: ____________].] Each Roommate shall pay their allocated share to [the designated lead Roommate / directly to Landlord] by the [____________] day of each month.
Monthly utility costs, including [electricity / gas / water / sewer / internet / cable] shall be divided among the Roommates as follows: [equally / by the following allocation: ____________]. The Roommate responsible for each utility account is [____________]. Each Roommate's share of utilities shall be paid to the responsible Roommate no later than [____________] days after receipt of the monthly statement. The security deposit paid under the Master Lease in the amount of $__________ shall be allocated among the Roommates as follows: [____________], and upon move-out shall be refunded to each Roommate in accordance with such allocation, net of any deductions attributable to each Roommate's conduct.
Household expenses for shared supplies, including cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, and other commonly used items, shall be purchased [jointly from a shared household fund to which each Roommate contributes $__________ per month / by rotating responsibility on a monthly basis / as individually agreed]. Any Roommate who incurs extraordinary household expenses on behalf of all Roommates shall be reimbursed by the other Roommates within [number] days of providing itemized receipts. Disputes regarding expense allocation shall be resolved pursuant to Section 5.2 of this Agreement.
House Rules & Shared Spaces
GUESTS AND VISITORS: Overnight guests are permitted for a maximum of [number] consecutive nights and [number] total nights per month without the consent of all Roommates. Any guest staying beyond these limits shall be deemed an unauthorized occupant in violation of this Agreement and the Master Lease. No guest may be given a key or permanent access to the Premises without the written consent of all Roommates and Landlord. Roommates shall ensure that their guests comply with all provisions of this Agreement and the Master Lease and shall be responsible for any damage or disturbance caused by their guests.
QUIET HOURS AND COMMON AREA USE: Quiet hours shall be observed from [____________] to [____________] on weekdays and from [____________] to [____________] on weekends. During quiet hours, all Roommates shall keep noise (including music, television, and conversations) at a level that does not disturb other Roommates or neighboring tenants. The kitchen, living room, bathrooms, and other common areas shall be kept clean and organized at all times. Dishes shall be washed and put away within [number] hours of use. Personal items shall not be stored in common areas without the consent of all Roommates.
CLEANING AND PARKING: The Roommates agree to the following cleaning schedule for shared spaces: [describe rotation or assignment]. Each Roommate is solely responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of their private bedroom and any bathroom assigned exclusively to them. [If applicable: Parking spaces are assigned as follows: [Roommate 1]: Space [____________]; [Roommate 2]: Space [____________]; etc.] No Roommate shall park in another Roommate's assigned space without prior permission. Smoking [is / is not] permitted on the Premises, and if permitted, is restricted to the following areas: [____________].
Lease Compliance & Individual Liability
Each Roommate shall comply with all terms and conditions of the Master Lease and all applicable laws, regulations, and building rules. No Roommate shall engage in any conduct that constitutes a breach of the Master Lease or that could result in the termination of the Master Lease or the eviction of all Roommates. Each Roommate shall promptly notify all other Roommates of any notice received from Landlord, including notices of violation, inspection, or termination. Each Roommate shall cooperate with all reasonable requests of Landlord and shall not interfere with Landlord's exercise of rights under the Master Lease.
Each Roommate shall be solely responsible for any damage to the Premises, common areas, or another Roommate's private space caused by such Roommate or such Roommate's guests, beyond ordinary wear and tear. A Roommate who causes damage shall promptly notify all other Roommates and shall, at such Roommate's sole expense, arrange for repair or restoration of the affected area to its prior condition. If such Roommate fails to repair damage within [number] days of notification, the other Roommates may arrange for repair and seek reimbursement from the responsible Roommate. Security deposit deductions attributable to a specific Roommate's conduct shall be borne solely by that Roommate.
Dispute Resolution & Early Departure
EARLY DEPARTURE: If a Roommate desires to vacate the Premises before the expiration of the Master Lease, such Roommate (the "Departing Roommate") shall provide all other Roommates with not less than [number] days' written notice of intended departure. The Departing Roommate shall remain liable for their allocated share of rent and expenses through the earlier of: (a) the date on which a replacement roommate acceptable to all remaining Roommates and Landlord takes over the Departing Roommate's obligations; or (b) the expiration of the Master Lease. The Departing Roommate shall cooperate in good faith in identifying and facilitating the onboarding of a qualified replacement roommate.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Any dispute between or among Roommates arising under this Agreement that cannot be resolved by good-faith discussion shall be submitted to [mediation through a mutually agreed mediator / binding arbitration / the small claims court of competent jurisdiction] prior to the initiation of any formal legal proceeding. The costs of mediation or arbitration shall be shared equally among the disputing Roommates unless the mediator or arbitrator determines otherwise. Nothing in this Section shall prevent any Roommate from seeking emergency injunctive relief from a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to prevent immediate, irreparable harm.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Roommates with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, and agreements. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by all Roommates. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Premises is located. If any provision of this Agreement is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Roommates and their respective heirs, successors, and permitted assigns, subject to the terms and conditions hereof.
Signature Requirements
E-Signature Valid
Roommate agreements are valid with electronic signatures under ESIGN/UETA.
How to Fill Out a Roommate Agreement
Discuss All Terms Before Signing
Have an open conversation about expectations: cleaning standards, noise tolerance, guest preferences, and financial responsibilities.
Divide Costs Fairly
Rent can be split equally or adjusted based on room size, bathroom access, or parking. Document the exact amount each person pays.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Assign rotating chores and cleaning responsibilities for common areas. Specify the frequency and standard expected.
Sign and Keep Copies
All roommates sign the agreement. Each person keeps a copy. The agreement can be amended by mutual written consent.
Free Template vs Custom Roommate Agreement
| Feature | Free Template | Custom (AI or Attorney) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic roommate agreement template | ||
| Detailed house rules and chore schedules | - | |
| Attorney-reviewed agreement with legal protections | - |
Roommate Agreement Template FAQ
Is a roommate agreement legally enforceable?
What is the difference between a roommate agreement and a lease?
What if a roommate refuses to pay their share?
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