How to rent with roommates

Renting with roommates is one of the most effective ways to make housing affordable as a student. It also comes with responsibilities that are worth understanding before you sign anything.

Finding the Right Roommates

Before you start looking for a unit, get clarity on who you'll be living with. Renting with people you already know has obvious advantages, but if you're finding roommates through a platform or notice board, take the time to have a real conversation before committing. Discuss:

• Sleep schedules and study habits
• Expectations around cleanliness and shared spaces
• Guest policies
• How bills and shared expenses will be split
• Whether anyone has pets or allergies

How the Lease Works With Roommates

There are two common lease arrangements when renting with roommates:

All on one lease: Everyone signs the same lease as co-tenants. This means everyone is jointly responsible for the full rent. If one roommate doesn't pay, the others are still liable for their share. This is the most common arrangement and offers the most protection to the landlord.

Separate leases: Each roommate has their own individual lease with the landlord for their room or portion of the unit. This is less common but separates each person's financial liability.

Before signing, understand which arrangement you're entering into and what it means for your responsibility if a roommate leaves or stops paying.

Get a Roommate Agreement

A roommate agreement is a written document between the people sharing the unit that sets out expectations and responsibilities. It isn't a legal tenancy document but it provides a clear reference point if disputes arise. A roommate agreement should cover:

• How rent is divided and who pays the landlord
• How utilities and internet costs are split
• Shared chores and cleaning responsibilities
• Rules around guests and noise
• What happens if someone wants to leave before the lease ends

liv.rent offers a free roommate agreement template to help you get this set up properly from the start.

What Happens if a Roommate Leaves

If a roommate wants to leave before the lease ends, their options depend on the lease arrangement and provincial tenancy rules. In most cases, they will need the landlord's consent to be removed from the lease or to find a replacement tenant. Make sure everyone understands this before signing.