Roommate Contract

When you first move in with your roommate you may have to make a roommate contract. If not, you should still make one. A roommate contract outlines the rules that you two both agree on. Having and following your ground rules will help avoid conflict.

 Here are some things to take into consideration:

• What time will quiet time be? 
• Quiet time could be during the day for studying or naps or for going to bed
• What can you do while your roommate sleeps?
• Will we sleep with the TV on, music playing, or in silence?
• What temperature should we keep our room?
• Do we expect the room(s) to be completely spotless?
• How long is too long to leave chores undone? Includes:
• Doing laundry 
• Doing dishes
• Taking out the trash
• Who gets control of the TV and when?
• Can I borrow your stuff without asking or should I ask first?
• What can NOT be shared?
• Can we share clothes? Shoes? Food? Snacks?
• How long can we borrow it before we HAVE to give it back?
• Can we have parties in here?
• When we bring someone (romantic) back to our room, how long can we have the room to ourselves? 
• How should we tell each other we’re going to have guests (romantic or not)?
• How many days before I have an planned overnight guest should I tell you?

Promise to ask nicely for things you would like, whether it be silence, food, or clothes.

Agree to say something right away about a person your roommate spends time with in the room or something your roommate does that bothers you. DO NOT BOTTLE IT UP! It helps out a lot. You should not be uncomfortable in your own room.

Is there anything else that you would request of your roommate? Or is there something you would expect your roommate to request of you?