Moving in with a flatmate is an exciting step, but it also introduces shared financial and personal responsibilities. To prevent future misunderstandings, a structured flatmate agreement is highly recommended. Below is the ultimate checklist of essentials to include in your agreement.
Rent and Financial Responsibilities
Financial clarity is the cornerstone of any successful roommate relationship.
Rent Breakdown: Specify the exact share of rent each flatmate is responsible for and who is on the main lease.
Due Date and Payment Method: Agree on the date rent is due and the transfer method (e.g. direct bank transfer to the landlord or split payments).
Security Deposit Split: Record how the security deposit was split and the process for return upon lease termination.
Utility Bills and Shared Expenses
Utility splits should be codified to avoid passive-aggressive bill disputes.
Broadband & WiFi: How is the internet bill divided and who owns the subscription account?
Electricity & Power Backup: Establish how electricity and diesel backup fees are calculated and shared.
Housekeeping & Cooking staff: If you employ shared domestic help (cooks, cleaners), specify their monthly salaries and payment schedules.
Household Chores and Cleaning Schedules
Cleanliness differences are the most common source of roommate friction.
Common Area Cleaning: Define daily, weekly, and monthly chores for shared spaces like the kitchen, living room, and balconies.
Individual Responsibilities: Confirm that personal bedrooms and bathrooms are the responsibility of the individual occupant.
Waste Management: Agree on a schedule for segregating waste (dry, wet, sanitary) and disposing of it.
Quiet Hours and Work Styles
With work-from-home becoming standard, noise rules are vital.
Quiet Hours: Define specific times (e.g., 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) where noise levels should be kept to a minimum.
WFH Protocol: Respect each other's work calls by reserving common desk areas and coordinating meeting schedules.
Guest Policy and Social Vibe
Set boundaries on who can visit and when.
Day Guests: Outline guidelines for having friends or colleagues over. Do you need to notify other flatmates in advance?
Overnight Guests: Agree on limits for overnight stays (e.g., maximum of 2 nights consecutive per week) and clarify expectations around significant others.