Most roommate issues aren't about major problems — they're about small expectations that were never discussed. A basic roommate agreement turns awkward friction into clear, shared standards.
Start with schedules: quiet hours on weeknights, mornings, and exam periods. If one roommate studies late and another wakes early, you need a plan for lighting, noise, and guests.
Next, clarify cleaning and shared supplies. Decide who buys what (toilet paper, cleaning products), how often you clean common areas, and what "clean" means. A five-minute weekly reset beats a two-hour argument in November.
Talk about guests early. Overnight guests, partners visiting, and friends dropping by are normal — but only if everyone agrees on frequency and notice. Make a simple rule: if someone feels surprised, you need a better process.
Agree on shared costs and payments. If you split utilities or shared purchases, decide how you track it and when payments happen. A shared app or a simple spreadsheet keeps it fair.
Finally, set a conflict process: talk within 48 hours, focus on the specific behavior (not the person), and agree on a small change to test for a week. Roommates don't need to be best friends — they need a workable system.