Roommate Rental Agreement
Those sharing a house or apartment often use a roommate rental agreement to outline the responsibilities of those living in the shared space. A detailed roommate rental agreement can help roommates avoid confusion and potential disputes over the specifics of a shared living arrangement. A roommate rental contract may specify rules regarding the use of common areas, such as the kitchen, porch, or any shared bathrooms. A roommate rental agreement may list specific times of day that are designated as quiet times for study or relaxation; rules regarding shared appliances and electronic equipment such as TV's, telephones, or shared Internet connections. Some roommate rental agreements even include detailed chore schedules, specifying when each roommate is responsible for shared chores such as washing the dishes, mopping, or vacuuming. A roommate rental agreement may also list what percentage of shared utility costs each roommate is responsible for. Roommate rental agreements can be further customized to add any other provisions the roommates agree upon.
Fast Facts
- According to 2005-2007 census results, 5.8% of renter occupied housing units had 4 or more bedrooms.
- In 2009, the average rental rate for a 2 bedroom rental in California was $1450.
- 48.5% of rental housing units were occupied by nonfamily households in 2007.




