Roommate lease vs tenant lease? Which to use?

Question

Hello,

I'm looking to get a roommate in my primary.  Can I sign a regular tenant lease with them, or do I need a roommate specific type of lease?

Nicole Marshall · Answer

@Steve Balinski If you will be living in the house, a roommate lease is the way to go. You can find a template online and tailor it to your specific situation. Make sure you outline house rules and screen your potential tenants carefully! Also best to do a M2M lease... just in case things don't work out, you won't have to wait so many months to get a new roommate. Sometimes personalities clash and that may not be something you can see before they move in.

Katie Stewart · Answer

Hi Steve! As Nathan said, I would recommend signing a roommate lease. I worked at an apartment complex where we rented by the bedroom and it's very important to outline policies regarding the security deposit, shared common areas, damage charges, etc.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I recommend a roommate lease. It will address things specific to a roommate situation like using and cleaning shared common areas, cleaning responsibilities, quiet hours, etc.

Steve Balinski · Answer

Ok awesome, thanks for the advice!

Roommate lease vs tenant lease? Which to use?

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