What to agree on in writing before you move in together — and avoid disputes later
The majority of roommate conflicts come from expectations that were never defined. A written roommate agreement — even between close friends — prevents the conversations that damage relationships. Here's exactly what to cover.
Document in writing: who pays what portion of rent and how (does one person pay the landlord and collect from others, or does each pay their share directly?). Utilities: split equally or proportionally by room size? Who sets up each account and whose name is on it? Household supplies (cleaning products, toilet paper, shared kitchen staples): shared fund or individual? A household fund of $50–$100/month each works well for most households. Document how much each person contributed to the damage deposit and how it will be divided at move-out.
Quiet hours: agree on specific times (10pm weeknights, midnight on weekends is a common baseline). Overnight guests: for how many consecutive nights before it becomes a co-tenancy issue? Cleaning: divide specific chores or rotate on a schedule — write it down and post it. Kitchen: label food, clean up the same day, dishes done within 24 hours. Common areas: defined expectations for cleanliness and shared use. Smoking, cannabis, pets (if permitted by the lease): agree on specific rules and locations.
Notice period: agree everyone gives 60 days notice to other roommates — matching the notice you'd give a landlord — so no one is scrambling. Replacement tenants: does everyone have veto rights over a replacement? Who screens candidates? Costs: who covers the departed roommate's share during a vacancy before a replacement arrives? In a joint tenancy (all names on the lease), all remaining tenants are 100% liable for the full rent — one person leaving doesn't reduce the others' obligations.
A roommate agreement is not the same as a lease. The crucial question is whose name appears on the original lease. If only one name is on the lease, the other roommates are subtenants with limited legal protections — the primary tenant has significant power. If all names are on the lease as joint tenants, everyone has equal rights and equal obligations. Adding roommates to the lease gives them more protection but also makes them equally liable for the full rent and any damages.
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Read All ReviewsThese guides are written for Canadian buyers, sellers, renters, and landlords and are kept current for 2026. They are for informational purposes only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules vary by province; confirm details with your lawyer, accountant, or licensed real estate professional before making decisions.