WHAT IS A ROOM RENTAL AGREEMENT? 

A room rental agreement is a binding contract between two or more parties: the party who owns a room that he or she wants to rent and the party or parties who would like to rent the room. Generally, a room rental agreement is used when a room and not an entire apartment or house is to be rented however the rental agreement can provide for the right to shared use of other rooms and facilities within the house or apartment. For example: kitchen privileges or use of shared bathrooms etc.

WHEN DO YOU NEED A ROOM RENTAL AGREEMENT?

A room rental agreement is needed when part of a house or an apartment is going to be offered for rental rather than the entire premises. The agreement is needed to explain the terms, expectations and responsibilities inherent in renting a room to another party. The agreement acts to set boundaries on what can or cannot be done within the room and the house in general. The agreement can provide specific restrictions as well as benefits. For example, it may restrict smoking in the house or loud music after eleven at night and or may provide for privileges such as the use of the pool or community room.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A ROOM RENTAL AGREEMENT?

A Room Rental Agreement should include the following:

• Names and contact information for the parties. This is especially important if more than one person will be renting the room.

• A statement that emphasizes that the room can only be occupied by the person or persons listed on the agreement and any violation of this term without prior approval of the owner of the room is grounds for eviction.

• Any extenuating circumstances that would permit additional persons to occupy the room and the duration of the exigent occupancy circumstances. For example; allowing a tenant’s close family members to visit for a weekend or during a holiday.

• Specific terms of occupancy: whether the duration of the occupancy is for a fixed period of time or if it is open-ended and flexible.

• Terms for the payment of rent. Whether rent is to be paid monthly, weekly or biweekly.

• A statement as to notice before vacating the room. This statement should explain whether notice needs to be given and the length of the proper notice to vacate period.

• Requirements for security deposits. This section should state the amount of the security deposit, and when it should be paid and the circumstances in which it can be forfeited.

• A clear statement on maintenance and repairs. This is critical because the tenant needs to be aware of any requirements that he or she may be responsible for in regards to maintenance and repairs because failure to maintain or repair a problem within one’s control in a room may be grounds for forfeiture of the security deposit.

• A statement on the owner’s right to enter the room and how much notice must be given if the required entry is not an emergency or exigent circumstance.

• A statement as to whether pets are allowed, what kind and if there is a weight or size restriction.

• A statement that illegal drugs or any other illegal acts would be considered grounds for eviction.

• Restrictions on subletting the room.

• A statement on whether the agreement can be renewed if the original agreement was for a fixed period of time.

• Information on the eviction process.