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What to Include in a Roommate Agreement

Living with roommates is common for many people in NYC and sometimes a necessity if you live in expensive neighborhoods like Manhattan. The common reason to live with a roommate is to split the cost of the monthly rent.

In New York City, you generally don’t need the landlord’s approval to have a roommate. There is also no hassle to add them to the lease. Thanks to the presence of the “Roommate Law” in New York State. The Roommate Law covers relatives as well as boyfriend/girlfriend.

However, it is recommended to have a roommate agreement in place, especially if you are the only leaseholder. Roommate agreement clearly explains who pays what as wells as the other rules of the space. This way, a roommate gets aware of his or her financial obligation each month, such as utilities and rent, as well as other duties, such as cleaning. If there is ever a dispute takes place between the two tenants, a roommate agreement can be used as proof that who agreed to do certain obligation.

Here we will discuss the things a rent agreement should include. But first of all, here is a quick definition of a roommate agreement.

WHAT IS A ROOMMATE AGREEMENT?

It is a contract signed between you and your roommate agreeing on a certain obligation like the split of rent and household duties.

Keep in mind that a roommate rental agreement is not a legal contract. For example, a judge wouldn’t order your roommate to cook the food as included in the agreement. Judges, however, imposes promises regarding financial concerns, such as paying utility bills and splitting the rent.

What to Include in Your Roommate Agreement

The Price of Rent:

First of all, how you and your roommate will pay rent. How much will you agree to pay? Will you split the rent evenly between everyone, or will your bedroom size or other considerations determine the rent?

Whatever you decide, make sure to put it in writing.

Splitting the Utility Bills:

Also, divide the utility bills. This might be challenging as bills are generally issued in one person’s name. You need to determine what shared bills will be required to pay and how they will be split. Find out how electricity, the internet, heat, and other utility will be paid for. Make sure to include a payment date.

Moving Out Early:

You might need to move out early. If you have a roommate, make sure to include these points in your agreement beforehand.

When to give notice to your housemate?

Does it require finding a new roommate before moving out?

When will the security deposit be released?

Security Deposit:

If the lease is over and everyone is looking to move out, handling the security deposit can be challenging if the landlord doesn’t return some or half of it.

Read Also: How to Split Rent Between Roommates- Useful Tips

For instance, what if your roommate is found liable for damaging the windows or other apartment’s belonging.

Therefore, the roommate agreement should include such events, as it takes place, so you can keep a record when moving out. Also, take photos or videos of the damages.

Roommate with Pets:

No matter if you or your roommate has a pet, make sure to include it in the agreement. You never know when you feel the need of keeping a pet. If pets are allowed by a landlord, make sure to determine who is responsible for pet fees. It should be mentioned in the contract.

Put Everyone Schedules on Paper:

Do you get ready for to office every morning at 9 a.m. and like to play loud music while doing this? Maybe your roommate has night shifts and likely to sleep until 3 p.m.

Make sure to define everyone’s schedules on paper and bill them up in the kitchen or refrigerator.

What about Guests?

Bringing an extra roommate as a boyfriend or a girlfriend can be an unpleasant surprise for another room partner. The same thing can be said for friends or guests. If you don’t want to return home only to find a couple of your roommate’s friends, make sure to clarify how they can come and stay over.

Create Responsibilities for Chores and Cleaning:

One of the top concerns about living with housemates is not taking responsibilities like cleaning. The kitchen and bathroom are two shared spaces that generally require cleaning very often. Mention in the agreement that who will clean what.

Food Sharing:

How will the food, cooking responsibilities, and grocery shopping be shared? Will the cost be spilled? Will each person have separate areas to store food in the fridge and kitchen?

Outline such responsibilities in the roommate agreement.

Bottom Line:

So these are important things you should outline in your roommate agreement. A clearly defined agreement will be useful in case you experience conflicts with your roommate. This agreement will help guide the rules and expectations for every partner in the room.

#roommates #nyrent #real estate #rental apartments #buy home

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