Writing a Good Roommate Agreement Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample roommate agreement letter as a template for your formal agreement letter.
Last updated on January 18th, 2019
Because of the expense in today’s society, it may be necessary to have roommates to share costs. Most people think of college kids when they think of roommates, but it is becoming increasing popular.
Before moving anyone into a home as a roommate, there needs to be a formal agreement that protects both parties. If this is a home that is mortgaged or a rental property makes no difference, this is a legal guideline to help cover the person responsible.
The letter should be drafted much like a lease. It should tell the roommate what they can and cannot do and the amount of their monthly cost. It should read formally, as it is a legal binding document.
Before moving anyone into a home as a roommate, there needs to be a formal agreement that protects both parties. If this is a home that is mortgaged or a rental property makes no difference, this is a legal guideline to help cover the person responsible.
The letter should be drafted much like a lease. It should tell the roommate what they can and cannot do and the amount of their monthly cost. It should read formally, as it is a legal binding document.
If there is a security deposit required, it should be stated. There should also be a section that defines the monthly rent, late fees and any additional charges. The rental amount should be both in number and written format.
Unlike a typical lease, usually utilities are shared with roommates. In this situation, it is important to clearly identify the responsibility of all parties on utilities. Some people have a budged electric or gas bill, so sharing is easy. For others, it may have to be an average.
There should also be a clause that it is subject to change, should the utilities increase drastically. Some people use more water than others, so sharing can be a costly issue. If someone takes a 30 minute shower while another party limits theirs to just 5 minutes, this could cause a spike in the water bill.
Termination of Agreement
There should be a whole paragraph about termination of the agreement. There should be a clause where either tenant has some grounds to terminate the agreement. Since it is not a typical lease, these are not generally held in as high of regard as a lease. Nevertheless, it is a legal binding document so the verbiage needs to be accurate.
Most put a couple clauses that allow one or both parties to end their agreement. This could be anything from taking a job in another area to just not being able to get along. Make sure to include anything and everything in this document to protect and help should court proceedings occur.
There should also be a clause that it is subject to change, should the utilities increase drastically. Some people use more water than others, so sharing can be a costly issue. If someone takes a 30 minute shower while another party limits theirs to just 5 minutes, this could cause a spike in the water bill.
Termination of Agreement
There should be a whole paragraph about termination of the agreement. There should be a clause where either tenant has some grounds to terminate the agreement. Since it is not a typical lease, these are not generally held in as high of regard as a lease. Nevertheless, it is a legal binding document so the verbiage needs to be accurate.
Most put a couple clauses that allow one or both parties to end their agreement. This could be anything from taking a job in another area to just not being able to get along. Make sure to include anything and everything in this document to protect and help should court proceedings occur.
Sample Roommate Agreement Letter
Kay White
90901 Comanche Way
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
DATE
Sarah Hudson
78 Ralph Street
Jackson, Ohio 45640
This agreement letter is for the property located at [ADDRESS]. The agreement is for Sarah Hudson for the term of one year beginning [DATE] and ending on [DATE]. This is for the rental of a large bedroom, bathroom and use to all common areas of the home.
The rental amount will be four hundred and fifty dollars per month ($450). The rent is due by the first of every month and anything after the fifth will require a $50 late fee. A security deposit in the amount of $200 will be necessary.
To accommodate everyone who works in the home, quiet hours are between the hours of 10 pm and 8 am. Overnight guests need to be kept to a minimum, and the owner must be notified of all overnight guests in advance.
The yard maintenance will be shared, as will the household cleaning of common areas. A cleaning schedule is located on the refrigerator to help keep things running smoothly.
The roommate is responsible for all of their own food and utilities. Since the utilities are all billed to the homeowner, the electric, gas, water, trash and cable bills will be split in half. The monthly averages of these bills are $383. Based on this figure, the tenant will need to pay around $192 per month.
Any upgrades to the home will all be the responsibility of the homeowner, Ms. White. However, if the tenant breaks, destroys or causes other damages to the said property, they will be responsible for taking care of these issues.
In the event that the situation is not working out, a thirty day notice to end the agreement may be initiated by either party. There will be no penalty for ending the agreement and the deposit will be returned, as long as these provisions are met.
Sincerely,
Kay White
By Andre Bradley
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