Choosing a Roomate
RULES TO LIVE BY: COMMUNICATION is the key to establishing a healthy roommate relationship.
Consider the following:
- Personality
- Compatibility
- Financial Responsibility
- Independence
- Discuss and agree on the rules of the house
- Put all agreements in writing.
Issues to discuss before moving in:
- Rent and payment options
- Dividing Space
- Dividing Utilities
- Household chores
- Shared Expenses
- Food Sharing
- Personal Property Sharing
- Quite Hours
- Independent Transportation
- Entertaining
- Smoking
- Drinking
- Drugs
- Privacy
- Overnight Guests
- Moving Out
Sample Agreement
Beth Smith, Kathy Bowman, and Joyce Brooks are roommates at 111 City Line Apartments, under a $1200/month 12 month lease that begins Aug 1,2001 and will terminate July 1, 2002. They have all signed the lease with landlord, Will Getovah; and have each paid $400 towards the security deposit of $1200. We all agree as follows: 1. Rent. Since Mr. Getovah will only accept one check, Beth will write the check and Kathy and Joyce will each give Beth $400 cash or money order before the first day of the month. 2. Food. Each roommate is responsible for her own food. 3. Cleaning. The bathroom and living room will be cleaned once a week on a rotating basis. The kitchen will be cleaned on a daily basis. 4. Personal Property. Beth and Kathy may only use Joyce's printer and must supply their own paper and ink if low. Joyce shall be the only operator of the computer. |
Dealing with Roommate Conflicts
Please contact the Saint Joseph's University Counseling Center.
Unexpected Situations
If a roommate walks out, is asked to leave, or leaves due to an unexpected situation, you are still responsible for the full amount of the rent. Therefore it is necessary to have a backup plan.
- Leaving voluntarily requires at least a 30-day notice
- Keep at least 1 months rent in an account
- Ask the landlord to use the roommates share of the security deposit to help pay rent
- Post a roommate wanted sign on the OCH Bulletin Board
- Get approval from the landlord before changing roommates