Write your roommate agreement before the first box is unpacked
A guided builder that turns your living preferences into a clear, printable agreement. No account needed. Everything stays in your browser.
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Why a written agreement actually helps
It's not about trust
Writing things down doesn't mean you don't trust each other. It means you had the conversation. Most roommate fights aren't about bad people. They're about different assumptions that never got aired.
One person thinks "clean kitchen" means wiping the counter. Another means mopping the floor and scrubbing the sink. Without a shared definition, both people feel like they're doing their part while the other isn't.
It gives you a script
When something bothers you, it's hard to bring it up. Having an agreement means you can point to something you all agreed on. The conversation starts with the rule, not with blame.
Common scenarios and how to handle them
The night owl and the early bird
One roommate works until midnight. The other wakes up at 6am. Set quiet hours that respect both schedules. Headphones after 10pm is a common fix. Agree on which rooms are quiet zones.
The partner who's always around
At what point does a frequent guest become a part of the household? Decide this before it happens. A common rule: if someone stays more than 4 nights a week for a month, it's time to talk about bill contributions.
The chore slacker
Instead of tracking who did what, try a weekly rotation so everyone does every chore. Or assign fixed chores based on preference. The key is making the standard clear and checking in monthly.
Someone wants to move out early
Include a move-out clause from the start. Thirty days written notice is standard. Decide if the person needs to find a replacement or just cover rent until the lease ends. Write it down now.
Pet deposits and pet rules
If one person has a pet, who pays the pet deposit? Who cleans up after it? What areas are off-limits? What happens if a roommate is allergic? Cover this even if there's no pet yet.
Shared food that disappears
Nothing causes quiet resentment faster than someone eating your labeled groceries. Start with a clear rule: labeled means hands off. Keep a shared basics list for things everyone uses.
Mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)
Being too vague
"We'll keep it clean" means nothing. "Dishes done within 24 hours, bathroom cleaned every Sunday, trash out when the bin is full" means something. Specific rules are easier to follow and easier to talk about.
Skipping the money talk
Don't assume everyone's on the same page about bills. Write down who pays what, when it's late, and what happens if someone can't pay on time. A late fee policy sounds harsh until you're covering someone else's electric bill.
Not planning for conflict
Everything's fine until it's not. Pick a process for disagreements before you need one. A cooling-off period and a house meeting are simple starting points that keep small issues from becoming big ones.
Forgetting to revisit
Your agreement isn't set in stone. Life changes. Someone gets a new job with different hours. A partner starts staying over. Revisit the agreement every few months and update what's not working.
Questions people ask
Do all roommates need to agree on every clause?
Yes. The agreement only works if everyone signs off. Use the share link to send the draft to your housemates before you finalize it. Talk through anything that doesn't feel right and edit together.
What if we already live together and never had an agreement?
It's not too late. Sit down together, go through the sections, and write down what you actually do now. That's your baseline. Then adjust anything that's been causing friction.
Can I use this for a dorm or university housing?
You can use it to set expectations with your roommate, but your university may have its own housing contract that overrides some clauses. Check your housing office rules first.
How do we handle it when someone breaks the agreement?
That's why the conflict resolution section matters. Pick a process before there's a problem. A 24-hour cooling-off period and a house meeting are common starting points. Write down what happens if someone repeatedly breaks the agreement, like a warning system.
Is my data saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser. We don't send your answers to a server. If you clear your browser data, your saved agreements will be gone. Use the export button to keep a copy on your device.
Is this a legal contract?
This is a plain-language agreement template, not a legally binding contract. Laws vary by state and country. If you have a complex situation, talk to a tenant rights organization or a lawyer.
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