"Roommate agreement: what is it. How can it help?"

Roommate Agreement: What Is It? How Can It Help?

When you live with another person there is bound to be conflict — whether you are living with a good friend or a stranger. It is human nature for people to periodically disagree and argue, but there are ways to avoid conflict. If a roommate agreement is drafted before you and your roommate move in together, ground rules can be set in an effort to avoid any unforeseen issues.

As a provider of apartments for rent in Denver, NC, we like the idea of roommate agreements — after all, you can never be too safe when it comes to avoiding conflict. Below, we have listed a few of the things that we think might be a beneficial addition to your roommate agreement for your new apartment in Denver!

Rent

When it comes to setting ground rules for your apartment, it makes sense to start with rent. After all, it is the only thing that ensures that you can stay in your new apartment. To avoid future disputes with your roommate about rent, be sure to discuss how the payment of rent will be handled with your roommate. Will you both pay the landlord separately, or will one person pay the full rent and request money from the other? Answering these questions before it comes time to send in the first months check can help to avoid unwanted conversations about money!

Bills

While issues with rent are one of the most important discussions for you to have about your Denver, NC apartment, bills are a close second. Much like rent, you have to decide who is going to pay what bills. One of the most common ways to do so is for each resident to register for one to two bills in their name. Doing so ensures that each roommate is held responsible for some of the financial burden. For some, bill costs are comparable, meaning that each person just pays the bill in their name. For others, costs vary and it makes more sense to request money from one another to split the costs of each utility. Discussing with your roommates who will be responsible for what, and getting it in writing, can help to avoid future conflicts and bill disputes.  

Schedules

After you and your roommates have discussed and hashed out the financial issues in regard to your new apartment for rent in Denver, it is time to begin thinking about some of the social concerns of living together. Living with a roommate is all about respect, and respect is a two-way street — meaning that all parties should be on the same page.

Most social issues that should be discussed are in regard to early mornings and late nights.  If you work early in the morning and your roommate wakes up later than you, ask them if they mind if you play music while you shower. If you go to bed early in the evening, be sure to make it known the level of noise that you expect after you have done so. By discussing schedules before moving in with one another, both you and your new roommate will have a better idea what to expect from each other.

Guests

Arguably the most common issue that new roommates experience is how often guests or significant others are present in the shared spaces. Sure, it is normal for someone to invite their boyfriend or girlfriend over from time to time, but if it happens too often, one person might begin to resent the other.

Additionally, it is common for people to become annoyed if a large number of guests are commonly present — especially if their presence hinders their ability to utilize their own Denver apartment. By discussing how each roommate feels about guests and the presence of significant others before moving in, each roommate can have a better idea of each other’s tolerances.

Talk About Issues Before You Move In Rather Than After They Happen

Generally, people know their roommates before they move in. Because of this, they think there will be no conflict. While it is easy to say that you know someone, and how they will act, you never really do until you live together. Because of this, it is important to discuss some of the basics with your roommate before you move in together — whether you are strangers or childhood friends.

We hope that today’s blog post provided you with some helpful tips for drafting a roommate agreement before moving into your new Denver, NC apartment! If you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at the Riverwalk Apartment Homes.

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