What should a roommate agreement include?

Almost every roommate conflict traces back to an unspoken assumption — about chores, guests, or money — that each person assumed was “obvious.” Writing expectations down once, when everyone's friendly and motivated, is the cheapest insurance there is. It also gives you something to point back to when memories conveniently differ.

• Rent — who pays what, to whom, and on which day.
• Utilities & shared costs — how they're split and whose name is on each account.
• Security deposit — who paid what, and how it's returned when someone leaves.
• Chores & cleaning — standards, rotation, and shared vs. personal supplies.
• Guests — overnight guests, partners staying over, and how much notice.
• Quiet hours & noise — especially around work and study schedules.
• Shared vs. personal property — food, kitchenware, and what's off-limits.
• Moving out — notice required, finding a replacement, and how costs are handled.

Sit down together, go through the list above, and write the answers in a shared doc everyone signs (a digital signature or even initials is fine). Revisit it if circumstances change. Keep it separate from your lease with the landlord — the roommate agreement is between you and your roommates.