If you’ve ever shared a space with someone, you know how quickly things can go from chill to chaotic, especially when rent, bills, and chores are involved. That’s where a roommate agreement comes in. It’s a simple agreement that helps set expectations and avoid awkward conversations.
In this blog, we’ll break down what to include, what to skip, and where to find the best roommate agreement template to get you started.
Bear in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by province and territory, and individual circumstances matter. If you need legal guidance, you should always consult a licensed lawyer in your jurisdiction.
What is a roommate agreement?
A roommate agreement is a written contract between people living in the same rental unit that outlines shared responsibilities, house rules, and expectations. It helps prevent misunderstandings and can be used to resolve disputes around things like rent, cleaning, guests, or bills.
Here’s who should consider creating a roommate agreement:
- Anyone not listed on the lease but contributing to the rent or living in the unit
- Friends living together
- Siblings or extended family sharing a rental
- Acquaintances or strangers matched through rental ads (especially since there’s no prior relationship or trust built)
- Students living in a shared dorm room or a rental house
- Anyone joining mid-lease
Given the benefits, even the Tribunal administratif du logement, Quebec’s rental board, recommends having a roommate agreement in place to help establish trust and avoid future conflict.
What to include and what not to include in a roommate agreement
A good roommate agreement should cover the essentials of your living arrangement without overstepping legal boundaries or personal rights. Here’s what to include (and what to leave out) when writing one.
It’s a good idea to include the following:
- Full name of each roommate
- Date (day, month, year)
- Address where roommates live together
- Signatures of each roommate
- How much rent each person is paying
- How things like bills will be split between you
- Whether each roommate will have renters’ insurance or if it will be shared
- Cleaning responsibilities
- How appliances, internet, and other services are shared
- What spaces are private vs shared
- What activities are allowed in the shared space
- Whether pets are allowed
- How disagreements will be handled
- How much notice each roommate needs to provide if moving out
Here’s what you shouldn’t include:
- Terms that contradict the lease: For example, you can’t change who’s responsible for the rent, how much is owed, or allow pets if the lease says otherwise
- Unenforceable personal rules: Avoid setting rules about things like curfews, appearance, or who someone can bring over (ex. all roommates must be home by 10pm)
- Penalties like fines or evictions: You can’t legally fine or kick your roommate out without involving the landlord or following eviction procedures
How to write a roommate agreement
Writing a roommate agreement might sound like a chore, but trust us, it can save you from major headaches down the line. The good news? It doesn’t have to be fancy or full of legal jargon. Just follow these steps and customize one of the handy templates we’ve linked below.
- Gather your roommates: Sit down with everyone living in the space. A roommate agreement only works if everyone’s involved and on the same page.
- Start with the basics: Write down details like the address, each roommate’s full name, and the date of the agreement.
- Discuss money: Decide who’s paying what, when it’s due, and how you split it. For example, if one roommate has a smaller room, they may pay less rent. Note how payments will be made and who will pay the landlord.
- Set a cleaning/chore schedule: No one wants to be the only one taking out the trash or washing the dishes. Set schedules for chores, shared duties, and expectations for keeping the rental tidy.
- Set house rules: Cover things like guests, quiet hours, smoking, drinking, and what’s allowed in shared spaces. This is the time for you all to discuss and agree on what works for everyone.
- Plan for disagreements: What happens if there’s an argument? Agree on how to handle it. Maybe you’ll want to have a roommate meeting or check-in.
- Add a move-out notice clause: Decide how much notice each roommate has to give before moving out. 30 days is common, but adjust based on what works for the group.
- Review and sign: Once you’ve discussed it, write it all down. Review the agreement and have everybody sign it. Save a copy for future reference.
Fill-in-the-blank roommate agreement templates
Need a roommate agreement but don’t want to write it from scratch? Here are a few fill-in-the-blank roommate agreement templates you can use to speed up the process and ensure you’ve covered your bases.
Are roommate agreements legally binding?
In Canada, roommate agreements can be legally binding, but certain conditions must be met for any document to be considered enforceable in court. The terms that make a contract legal and binding typically include:
- Everyone signing is above the age of consent (18 in Canada)
- Everyone agrees to the terms of the contract willingly
- Everyone understands what they’re signing
- The terms of the contract are legal (nothing that breaks the law or goes against your lease)
Even then, how a roommate agreement is interpreted or enforced can vary depending on the facts of the case and the province or territory where you live. Some courts may treat these agreements as informal arrangements, especially if the terms are vague or if the parties treat them casually.
It is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a properly licensed lawyer in your province or territory to confirm if your agreement is valid and enforceable.
Does a roommate agreement need to be notarized?
A roommate agreement doesn’t need to be notarized to be legal or binding. However, if you are considering getting it notarized to have that extra layer of security between you and your roommates, seek advice from a properly licensed lawyer.
