Roommate Agreement Checklist

A good roommate agreement should cover at least the following areas:

Money. How is the rent split? If there are joint purchases, such as appliances and furniture, how are they paid for? What happens if a roommate cannot pay his/her share?
Private spaces and common areas. Who gets which room? How are the common areas furnished and maintained? Are there guidelines for maintaining private areas?
Food and common household supplies. Are they shared? How are they paid for? Who is responsible for replacing items?
Visitors. Is there a limit on number and timing of visitors? Are overnight visitors allowed, and if so can they sleep in the common area? How long can a visitor stay? Who pays costs related to visitors (use of common food/drink supplies, etc.)?
Pets. Cats? Dogs? Snakes? What kind of pets are allowed?
Noise. Are there guidelines for acceptable noise level? What about late at night? In private areas? In common areas?
Moving out. How are jointly purchased items divided? If a roommate wants to move out before end of the lease, who is responsible for finding a replacement? Under what circumstances can a roommate be asked to move out?