Learn about your responsibilities as
a tenant and the responsibilities of your landlord and any roommate(s).
Tenant (you)
A tenant is responsible for:
Paying rent on time
Keeping the premises clean and undamaged
Disposing of garbage and trash properly (unless
the landlord has agreed to do this)
Using all electrical, gas, and plumbing fixtures
properly and keeping them as clean as
their condition permits
Keeping any person you've permitted on the premises
from willfully damaging
the premises or the facilities
Using each room only for its intended purpose
Informing the landlord of all roommate changes
To make sure your experience as a tenant is as enjoyable as possible:
Be respectful of your landlord so that conflicts are
easily resolved. If you are going to be late paying your rent, contact
your landlord, explain the situation, and provide a date when you can
pay.
Obey the laws of your neighborhood, apartment complex, or homeowner's association.
Keep the peace with your neighbors. Excessive noise is a valid reason for eviction.
Your roommate(s)
You and your roommate(s) should:
Be careful about sharing expenses for things
like refrigerators or furniture. (What will happen when one or more
roommates move out?)
Decide how monthly bills (utilities, rent, etc.) will
be divided and who is responsible for making sure the bill is paid.
Keep track of who paid deposits for different utilities.
Discuss the division of household duties. A
cleaning schedule (dividing chores daily or weekly) is an effective way
to do this.
Talk about groceries and sharing food. Often, roommates will agree that everyone is
responsible for their own grocery shopping, and food is generally not
shared.
Sign a roommate agreement clarifying responsibilities and setting ground rules
for your home.
