Tenant Background Checks

Putting agreements in black and white can go a long way to reducing tension and improving relationships between roommates, and helping your tenants have better roommate relationships can only be a good thing for you, as a landlord or property manager.

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**ROOMMATE AGREEMENTS**

1.) Include language that each tenant/roommate is liable for all terms of the lease or rental agreement. Have your attorney review it before providing it to your tenants.

2.) Include things like the lease term, start date, and lease renewal procedures.

3.) Have a place for each roommate’s name, Social Security Number, and emergency contact.

4.) List some roommate rules, stating which share of the rent and security deposit each is liable for, which rooms are designated shared and private, and how damages will be handled.

5.) State the procedure for paying utilities: who gathers the funds and pays the bills, when the bills are due and consequences for late payments.

6.) Cover parking, garbage and recycling, and other details. Determine how guests will be handled, where they may stay, and for how long.

7.) Include guidelines for quiet hours, pets, cleaning, food and other details.