Economy-Driven Apartment Sharing (written for Mesa Apartment)
Unfortunately, we all can't live exactly like we used to any more. Job loss, an economy in recession, and huge drop in housing values have forced many great people into less than ideal situations. As a result, a new type of co-habitation system is emerging - 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 complete and unknown 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 peace that they've cleared that hurdle. There are a lot of great 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 coming up with 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 forget 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 first.
In the agreement, don't forget 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 calculated. Include all utilities, and always include about cable TV, Internet, and the telephone. Decide how damages will be handled, and a neutral third-party to help settle disputes. Include food and groceries and cooking arrangements. Finally, don't leave out some rules about apartment cleanliness, houseguests and their etiquette, get-togethers hosted by one of the roommates, and pets.
