SHARED RENTAL AGREEMENT FOR ROOMMATES
SHARED RESIDENCE AGREEMENTS
A roommate agreement is made by two or more people who are
sharing living expenses. All roommates should have a clear
understanding about their individual responsibilities for rent
and other living expenses. Without a written agreement problems
are more likely to arise. Few things could be more uncomfortable
than sharing a house with someone with whom you have an ongoing
disagreement about financial matters. It is always best to have
such understandings in a written agreement.
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
Roommates need to be aware of their legal obligations on a lease
or mortgage. In nearly every case, a landlord will require each
roommate to be ""jointly and severally liable"". This means the
landlord can look to either roommate for the full performance of
all obligations. If one roommate fails to pay, having a written
agreement is important for the paying roommate to be able to
make a claim against the non-paying roommate but the roommate
agreement does not relieve either party from the possibility of
having to pay the full amount of rent.
Below is a sample agreement but you should always consult an
attorney before implementing such an agreement. This agreement
may not be suitable to your needs.
This agreement is made between
__________________________________________ (landlord) and
___________________________________________ (tenant)
on the ____________ day of _______________ 200_.
A monthly rent of ________ will be due on the first of each
month and payable to the landlord
Each tenant agrees that he/she will be responsible for ____ (1/
_ ) of the rent.
Both parties have signed a lease for the following address :
_________________________________
This agreement will commence on __________________,
for a term of _____________ and ending on ________________.
A security deposit of ___________________ has been placed with
the landlord.
Each party agrees to pay _________ (1/ _ ) of this deposit.
Both parties acknowledge the lease and the terms set forth in
it. It is understood that the lease has priority over this
roommate agreement.
Utilities are to be shared
The landlord agrees to pay for _____ (1/ _ ) and the tenant
agrees to pay for _________ (1/ _ ) of the following:
* Water
* Gas
* Electricity
* Maintenance/upkeep
* Maid service
* Phone service is the responsibility of each party unless
otherwise specified
Each resident agrees to reside at the above address or continue
to pay his portion of the rent during the term of the lease. The
tenant, at his or her own expense may locate a new tenant which
must be acceptable to the other parties of the lease. The
landlord must give his written permission to sublet.
Pets are the sole responsibility of the owner. Any damage caused
by his or her pet must be paid for by the responsible party.
__________________________________date
__________________________________date
__________________________________date