In order to survive throughout the semester a roommate agreement is a MUST. Since living with roommates is tough – everybody has their own way of dealing with cleanliness, guests, noises, dishes, sharing, and more.
The foundation of peaceful living is respect. So if you and your roommates can agree on some basic rules to live by, you’ll all live happily every after. If it hasn’t been so easy for you, here’s a perfect list (AKA Roommate Agreement) to print out and share with your roommates.
1. Pay your share of the rent and utilities. Always.
This is never up for negotiation.
2. What’s mine is mine, and what’s yours is yours.
Always assume that something that your roommate has brought into your shared space is theirs. Don’t use it because you have access to it. Just ask. This goes for food, clothes, shoes, makeup, skincare… anything you can imagine.
3. We both live here, so ask when you can have guests over.
Your boyfriend or girlfriend is not your +1. Neither are any of your closest friends. Before you bring anyone into your shared home, check with your roommate(s) to make sure it’s okay and respect what they say in return. Most importantly, if your roommate is cool with you having your significant other stay the night, do NOT abuse their kindness. Guests should never be in your shared space more than once per week.
4. Do not throw any parties without their consent.
Again, this is a shared space. You can’t just have whoever you want in the apartment and expect your roommate(s) to hide in their room or be okay with it.
5. Share chores and keep the apartment in good condition.
Even if you enjoy living in filth by not doing dishes, vacuuming the floors, and taking out the garbage, do it out of respect for the other people living there. Nobody wants to see your mess, especially not in common areas.
6. If you break or damage something that is theirs, pay to replace it.
This is basic courtesy. If you’re gonna take something that belongs to somebody else and ruin it, you have to replace it. Don’t even wait for the other person to ask you for it.
7. Don’t hog the bathroom or the kitchen. Also don’t make excessive noise in the bathroom or the kitchen early in the morning or late at night.
Care about your roommate being comfortable and happy. Something as little as not waking them up every morning at 6am because you need to make a breakfast smoothie is very doable on your part.
8. Keep things at a normal volume.
Nobody wants to hear your music, phone calls, or tv shows. Seriously, you’re not that interesting and you’re just bothering everyone around you.
9. Do not ever go into their room or use their bed for one of your friends. Ever.
This may be the worst offence you can commit as a roommate.NEVER let other people sleep in their bed.
10. If the trash if full, take it out.
Don’t be the jerk who plays a game of trash Tetris.
11. Make sure your food isn’t rotting in the fridge.
Your fridge isn’t another place for trash, FYI.
12. Invite your roommate out with you occasionally.
You guys don’t have to be best friends, but living with someone is a great opportunity to have another friend. Spending time together outside of the house will definitely help your relationship. You can go to the gym together, buy groceries, go to a concert, bar, etc.
13. Generally, be kind.
Your energy and the way you treat other people matters when you live together. Be kind and open with them, allow them to feel comfortable around you in your shared home.
14. Accept that your roommate will never be perfect.
We all have flaws, so pick your battles. Decide early on what you can tolerate and what you can’t because there definitely are forgivable offences.
15. Communicate.
This is the most important rule. If something is bothering you, let the other person know in a way that is honest, fair and open. Listen to them as well.
So here you have it, this is Nuage’s version of The Perfect Roommate Agreement.