SHARED RESIDENCE AGREEMENTS A roommate agreement is made by two or more people who are sharing living expenses. All roommates should have a clear understanding about their individual responsibilities for rent and other living expenses. Without a written agreement problems are more likely to arise. Few things could be more uncomfortable than sharing a house with someone with whom you have an ongoing disagreement about financial matters. It is always best to have such understandings in a written agreement.
JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
Roommates need to be aware of their legal obligations on a lease or mortgage. In nearly every case, a landlord will require each roommate to be ""jointly and severally liable"". This means the landlord can look to either roommate for the full performance of all obligations. If one roommate fails to pay, having a written agreement is important for the paying roommate to be able to make a claim against the non-paying roommate but the roommate agreement does not relieve either party from the possibility of having to pay the full amount of rent.
Below is a sample agreement but you should always consult an attorney before implementing such an agreement. This agreement may not be suitable to your needs.
This agreement is made between
__________________________________________ (landlord) and
___________________________________________ (tenant)
on the ____________ day of _______________ 200_.
A monthly rent of ________ will be due on the first of each month and payable to the landlord
Each tenant agrees that he/she will be responsible for ____ (1/ _ ) of the rent.
Both parties have signed a lease for the following address :
_________________________________
This agreement will commence on __________________,
for a term of _____________ and ending on ________________.
A security deposit of ___________________ has been placed with the landlord.
Each party agrees to pay _________ (1/ _ ) of this deposit.
Both parties acknowledge the lease and the terms set forth in it. It is understood that the lease has priority over this roommate agreement.
Utilities are to be shared
The landlord agrees to pay for _____ (1/ _ ) and the tenant agrees to pay for _________ (1/ _ ) of the following:
* Water
* Gas
* Electricity
* Maintenance/upkeep
* Maid service
* Phone service is the responsibility of each party unless otherwise specified
Each resident agrees to reside at the above address or continue to pay his portion of the rent during the term of the lease. The tenant, at his or her own expense may locate a new tenant which must be acceptable to the other parties of the lease. The landlord must give his written permission to sublet.
Pets are the sole responsibility of the owner. Any damage caused by his or her pet must be paid for by the responsible party.
__________________________________date
__________________________________date
__________________________________date
Moving Your Pet
Getting through the emotional stress of moving is difficult enough for adults and children. But what about pets, a species with whom we can't even level? Pet owners are often baffled by their pets' behavior during and after a move. Sometimes it's a personality change, a regression in housebreaking habits or a sudden unexplained illness. Even if you don't notice something that dramatic, there's no question that your faithful companion is feeling stress. How do you move your pet and keep the strain to an absolute minimum -- both to yourself and your beloved pet?
Is That Apartment Hazardous to Your Health?
When you sign a lease committing yourself to a unit in an apartment complex or building, you're agreeing to live in close quarters with strangers. You're also making the assumption that your building will be properly managed and maintained. That includes such factors as air quality and adequate pest control. As a tenant, you have rights, of course, but some of the most serious threats to your health -- such as carbon monoxide -- are ones you can't even see or smell.
Does The Landlord Have To Clean The Apartment Before I Move In?
QUESTION:What can I do about a landlord who promised a clean and newly painted apartment before we moved in, but didn't deliver? We have moved in because we had nowhere else to go, but I am concerned about our children's health and the total well-being of our family. Can I report the unhealthy living conditions to the health department? Please let me know of my legal rights or how to go about this problem in a dignified manner.
