Whether it’s a significant other, friend, family member, or someone you happened to match with on roommate finder, living with another person can have its ups and downs. And, the downs almost always require conflict resolution skills. The solution: roommate agreements. This miracle communication tool can not only help you establish do and don’ts around your apartment, but it can also help you create chore lists, set boundaries, and regulate bathroom schedules. In short, by establishing roommate agreements, you and your apartment buddy can avoid awkward confrontations in the future; it’s a win-win for everyone.
Not sure how to manage your roommate agreement? Here are some helpful tips to help get you and your apartment roommate started:
1. Cleaning & Chores
A dirty apartment can spark all sorts of confrontations between roommates. Instead of settling for passive-aggressive tactics or bottling up frustrations, take an afternoon to define chores and establish a cleaning routine that suits both of your schedules and needs. A great way to organize this list is by writing out a weekly chart and posting it to your refrigerator door.
2. Guests & Quiet Hours
Guest visitations and quiet hours should also be taken into consideration when creating a roommate agreement. Go over details like how many guests are allowed in your apartment at one time, should your roommate give notice before a guest sleeps over, and what can guests have access to.
3. Rent, Utilities & Household Items
The easiest way to specify who pays which amount each month is to split up the rent evenly between all roommates in the apartment. Keep in mind the size of each room, annual pay, and utility usage. When it comes to food and household items, establish who should pay if items are shared. If not, organize the kitchen and linen closet to respect each other’s goods.
The Quarters at Lady Lake, FL
If you and your roommate are on the hunt for a new apartment in the Lady Lake, Florida, area, check out The Quarters Apartment Homes by Rath/Harper & Associates. Our apartments offer innovative design, value-oriented construction, and responsible on-site management—all in an effort to ensure you create your new home sweet home. Contact us today!
