Living in New York City is an unparalleled experience, teeming with opportunities and adventures at every corner. However, the city’s high cost of living often necessitates sharing your living space with a roommate. While this can be an enriching experience, it’s crucial to establish ground rules to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. Enter the Roommate Agreement—a legal document that serves as the backbone of a harmonious co-living arrangement. This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the process of creating a Roommate Agreement tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of living in NYC.
The Necessity of a Roommate Agreement in NYC
New York City is a place like no other, with its own set of rules and regulations governing rental agreements. The famous New York State “Roommate Law” allows tenants to have roommates without requiring landlord approval. However, this law doesn’t offer protection against potential conflicts or financial disputes between roommates. That’s where a Roommate Agreement comes into play. This legally binding document outlines the financial and social responsibilities of each roommate, providing a safety net for all parties involved.
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Legal Considerations: Who Should Draft the Agreement?
While there are numerous templates available online, it’s highly recommended to consult a legal expert to draft your Roommate Agreement. A few hundred dollars spent on legal fees can save you from potential headaches and financial losses down the line. Some NYC-specific roommate matching services offer templates drafted by legal experts, but a personalized agreement is always the best route to take.
Pro tip: Sign up for a free, complimentary, introductory call with one of our partner real estate lawyers. Negotiate directly. Hauseit doesn’t charge anything for our attorney referrals!
Components of a Roommate Agreement
A well-crafted Roommate Agreement should cover several key areas:
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Basic Information: This includes the names of all roommates, the leaseholder, the landlord, the address of the apartment, and the date the agreement is signed.
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Lease Terms: The duration of the lease and conditions for termination should be clearly outlined.
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Financial Obligations: This section should detail the rent amount each roommate is responsible for, the due date, and how utilities will be split.
Division of Utilities and Other Bills
Utility bills can be a significant point of contention among roommates. Your Roommate Agreement should clearly outline how utilities like electricity, gas, water, and internet will be divided. Will it be an equal split, or will it be based on usage? Make sure to specify the due dates for these bills and the penalties for late payments.
House Rules and Social Norms
Living with someone involves more than just splitting bills; it’s about co-existing peacefully. Your Roommate Agreement should include guidelines for social interactions within the shared living space. This could cover everything from quiet hours and guest policies to food sharing and cleanliness standards. Setting these rules in advance can prevent a lot of unnecessary conflicts.
Pro Tip: Read our guide on the 10 Best Questions to Ask Potential Roommates. For example, what’s their preference on cleanliness? If not cleared up in advance, this can cause major resentment and even arguments.
Chores and Maintenance Responsibilities
A clean home is a happy home, but not everyone has the same definition of ‘clean.’ To avoid disputes, your Roommate Agreement should specify the chores each roommate is responsible for and how often they should be done. Whether it’s taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom, or vacuuming the living room, make sure everyone knows their duties.
Termination Clauses and Exit Strategy
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. Your Roommate Agreement should include clauses that allow for the termination of the agreement under specific conditions. Whether it’s a job relocation, family emergency, or irreconcilable differences, having an exit strategy can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Pro Tip: This is probably one of the most important considerations. Younger people living with roommates are especially prone to life changes. It’s not unheard of for a roommate to suddenly inform you that they have to move because of a job change, etc.
Special Considerations for NYC
New York City has its own set of unique circumstances that should be considered when drafting a Roommate Agreement. For instance, if you’re living in a rent-stabilized apartment, this should be clearly indicated in the agreement, as it affects the rent division among roommates. Also, make sure to reference the existing Master Lease between the tenant and the landlord, emphasizing that the Roommate Agreement does not alter or supersede the Master Lease.
Conclusion: The Importance of Paperwork
While the New York State Roommate Law provides some protections, it’s not a substitute for a well-crafted Roommate Agreement. This document serves as a contract that can save you from both financial and emotional turmoil. So before you start your new chapter in the city that never sleeps, make sure you’ve got your Roommate Agreement in place.
Additional Questions to Consider
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Is a Lawyer Necessary?: While templates are available, should you invest in a lawyer to draft your Roommate Agreement in NYC?
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Rent-Stabilized Apartments: How does living in a rent-stabilized apartment affect the terms of a Roommate Agreement?
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Understanding the Roommate Law: How well do you understand New York State’s Roommate Law, and how does it interact with your Roommate Agreement?
By taking the time to draft a comprehensive Roommate Agreement, you’re not just finding a place to live; you’re securing peace of mind in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Pro Tip: NYC is unique in having a roommate law, whereby “When only one tenant is named on a lease, the tenant has the right to take in a roommate and the roommate’s dependent children. When two or more tenants are named on the lease, the number of tenants and roommates cannot exceed the number of tenants named in the lease.” As you can imagine, this presents serious issues for landlords who essentially get a co-tenant in place without any say in the matter!
Sample NYC Roommate Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide
Roommate Agreement
This Roommate Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Insert Date], between the following parties, hereinafter referred to as “Roommates”:
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Roommate #1: [Insert Name]
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Roommate #2: [Insert Name]
The Roommates are co-tenants at the property located at [Insert Address], New York, NY [Insert Zip Code] (“Premises”). The lease agreement with the landlord, [Insert Landlord’s Name or Company] (“Landlord”), is dated [Insert Date of Master Lease] (“Master Lease”).
Recitals
WHEREAS, the Roommates have a shared interest in maintaining a harmonious living environment;
WHEREAS, this Agreement aims to outline the responsibilities and expectations of each Roommate;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of mutual covenants contained herein, the Roommates agree as follows:
1. Lease Obligations
All Roommates are bound by the terms and conditions of the Master Lease. This Agreement does not supersede the Master Lease but serves as an additional layer of terms between the Roommates.
2. Tenancy Duration
The Roommates will reside in the Premises from [Insert Start Date] to [Insert End Date]. Any changes to this duration require written notice 30 days in advance and approval from all Roommates and the Landlord.
3. Rent Division
The total monthly rent for the Premises is [Insert Total Rent]. Each Roommate is responsible for the following portion:
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Roommate #1: [Insert Amount]
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Roommate #2: [Insert Amount]
Rent is due on the [Insert Day] of each month and should be paid to [Designated Roommate], who will then remit the total amount to the Landlord.
4. Security Deposit
Each Roommate will contribute the following towards the security deposit:
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Roommate #1: [Insert Amount]
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Roommate #2: [Insert Amount]
The deposit will be returned as per the terms of the Master Lease, with deductions shared proportionally.
5. Pet Policy
If pets are allowed as per the Master Lease, the pet owner will be solely responsible for any damages caused by their pet.
6. Utility Responsibilities
Utilities are divided as follows:
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Electricity: [Insert Percentage or Fixed Amount]
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Gas: [Insert Percentage or Fixed Amount]
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Internet: [Insert Percentage or Fixed Amount]
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Cleaning Service: [Insert Percentage or Fixed Amount]
7. Personal Property
Borrowing or using another Roommate’s personal property requires prior consent. Any damage to personal property will be the responsibility of the Roommate who caused the damage.
8. Food and Kitchen Etiquette
Each Roommate will purchase and consume their own food unless otherwise agreed upon. The kitchen should be cleaned immediately after use.
9. Household Chores
All Roommates agree to equally share the responsibilities of maintaining common areas, including but not limited to cleaning, vacuuming, and taking out the trash.
10. Guest Policy
Guests are allowed but should not disturb other Roommates. Overnight guests are permitted for no more than two consecutive days and ten days in a month, unless all Roommates agree otherwise.
11. Smoking
Smoking is not permitted within the Premises.
12. Additional Terms
[Insert any other terms or conditions agreed upon by the Roommates]
13. Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of New York.
14. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Roommates and supersedes all prior oral agreements.
15. Amendments
Any changes to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by all Roommates.
16. Waiver
Failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Roommates have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
Roommate #1 Signature and Date
Roommate #2 Signature and Date
Disclosure: Hauseit® and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal, financial or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, financial or accounting advice. No representation, guarantee or warranty of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of information provided.
