By signing the agreement, all roommates ensure that they are legally bound to follow the agreed-upon terms, fostering a harmonious living environment. The Texas Roommate Agreement includes various fields to capture essential information about the living arrangement.
Yes, you can't just remove yourself unless the landlord chooses to let you. You can terminate the lease, and the landlord can sign a new lease with your roommate and any new tenant that moves in.
Put Your Roommate Agreement in Writing Much of your agreement won't be legally binding—for example, a judge likely wouldn't order your roommate to clean the bathroom. Judges will, however, enforce promises regarding financial matters, such as splitting rent and paying utility bills.
The roommate agreement is between roommates and doesn't involve the landlord, while a lease is between one or more roommates and the landlord. Roommate agreements are essential in situations where your roommate decides to move out while the lease is in effect.
How to write a roommate agreement Names of both tenants. The property address. The dates the lease begins and ends. The amount of rent each person pays. Who pays for utilities. Who pays the security deposit. Which bedroom each person occupies. Who buys food, or if you're each buying your own food.
In terms of your legal rights, if you breach the agreement your roommates could sue you, but given the time, headache, expense and the amount involved there is a good chance they won't bother.
It is smart to have a licensed attorney review the agreement to ensure it will hold up in court. Each roommate should sign the agreement and keep a copy for themselves. If an argument develops, each person can refer to the terms in the document to resolve it.
If your roommate is on the lease, you both have equal rights to occupy the property under the lease agreement. In this situation, you do not have the authority to evict your roommate. Any disputes or issues would need to be handled through mutual agreement.
Your landlord or property manager will likely ask you and your new roommate to sign a new lease agreement. Some landlords may allow a modification of your existing lease agreement or a lease amendment, but most prefer to use a new lease.