Roommates & Living Well
If you will be living with a roommate, discuss the costs of renting and have a plan
before making any commitments. Good communication now will save a lot of frustration
later. Consider a roommate agreement to clearly outline expectations and agreements.
Living with roommates requires communication, accountability, and shared expectations.
Before signing a lease together, discuss financial responsibilities, cleaning schedules,
guest policies, and how you will resolve disagreements.
Conflicts
- Address conflicts as soon as possible. The sooner you make your roommate aware of
a problem, the more likely a mutually satisfying solution may be reached.
- Address concerns directly to your roommate, preferably in person. Avoid communication
through e-mail, IM, text messages or other roommates or friends. The more personal
and direct your communication is, the easier it may be to solve the problem.
- Communicate clearly and avoid accusations or blaming. Use "I" statements when possible
and talk about the results of situations or behaviors instead pointing fingers.
- Consider drafting a roommate agreement that clearly describes expectations and solutions.
Roommate Agreement Template (PDF - 118KB)
