Economy-Driven Apartment Sharing (written for Mesa Apartments)
Unfortunately, we all can't live exactly like we want to any more. Job loss, an economy in recession, and huge drop in housing values have forced many great people into tight situations. As a result, a new type of co-habitation system is beginning - that of Apartment Sharing.
When you enter into an Apartment Sharing agreement, you are making a commitment to live in the same space as a total stranger with the understanding that, by doing so, your expenses will be reduced. Apartment Sharing Agreements can be risky, since you know little about your roommate but, since most apartment complexes do background checks, you can at least feel good that they've cleared that hurdle. There are a lot of nice people who need financial help and they're easy to find. However, before anyone moves in, you must have a solid Agreement, in writing, which defines all of the particulars of the arrangement. The apartment complex will have rules you will both have to agree to, but you will need your own internal contract to make sure expectations are spelled out clearly.
When developing an Apartment Sharing agreement, sit down with your roommate and come up with a complete list of things that each of you thinks is important and needs to be accounted for. Don't dismiss anything. Once the list is complete, start writing down your agreed-upon stipulations. There may be a couple you can't agree on at first. Set them aside and come back to them later. Get the obvious stuff out of the way immediately.
In the agreement, remember to include rent payments, including deadlines and dollar amounts. If the rent varies due to utilities or some other reason, input a base amount and spell out how the remaining money is to be paid. Include all utilities, and be sure to remember about cable TV, Internet, and the telephone. Decide how damages will be paid for, and a neutral third-party to help settle disputes. Include food and groceries and cooking agreements. Finally, don't leave out some rules about apartment cleanliness, houseguests and their etiquette, get-togethers hosted by one of the roommates, and pets.
