It may seem like overkill.
Really? A roommate agreement? We’re living together, not starting a country.
However, all it takes is one drunk guy from your roommate’s rager passing out on your bedroom floor to make you reconsider the need for rules and boundaries in your living space. As we’ve said countless times, your comfort, safety and happiness are the most important parts of finding a place to live. You and your roommate should know at all times what is and is not acceptable behavior and you both have the right to define it.
True, some may say that contracts and agreements are too “formal” for them and feel fussy or excessive. However, it never hurts to have something on paper. By establishing a strong culture of cooperation, you and your roommate(s) are laying the framework to ensure that there is never any confusion or disagreements that could spiral out of control and cause much bigger conflicts. Think if the US didn’t have a Bill of Rights. Anarchy. That is potentially what awaits you if you neglect this vital step in the moving-in process.
In short, take the time and fill out the document. Make sure you are using serious rules and are voicing all of your boundaries and needs right off the bat.
Attached is a sample roommate agreement. If this one doesn’t suit your fancy, many colleges and universities also offer templates for roommate contracts. Conversely, you could spend an afternoon of roomie bonding drafting your own. However you decide to create one, make sure that a roommate agreement is in place (in writing) by day one.
-Roomie Has It Staff