Roommate Agreement Template for Baylor Students: What to Put in Writing

Moving in with roommates is one of those things everyone says will be fine — right up until it isn't. The unwashed pan that's been sitting in the sink for four days. The roommate who invites their boyfriend over every weekend without asking. The thermostat battle that somehow becomes a personality conflict.

Almost half of college students (47.9%) report "frequent" or "occasional" conflict with roommates, and 1 in 3 says those conflicts affected their academics. The fix isn't choosing better roommates (though that helps — see our roommate-finding guide). The fix is a roommate agreement: a written document that spells out expectations before anyone moves in a single box.

This guide covers what to include in a roommate agreement template for a Baylor off-campus apartment, why written agreements work better than assumed rules, and how 19Eleven's individual lease structure makes financial disputes much easier to prevent in the first place.

What Is a Roommate Agreement (and Is It Legally Binding)?

A roommate agreement is a written document between people sharing an apartment that spells out how shared spaces and expenses will be handled. It's separate from your actual lease with the landlord — the landlord isn't a party to it and isn't bound by it.

In Texas, written agreements between roommates are enforceable as civil contracts, but only for financial obligations: who owes what for rent, utilities, or shared expenses. Courts won't force your roommate to do the dishes on their assigned day, but they can uphold terms like "each person contributes $50/mo toward utilities" if there's a dispute.

The real value of a roommate agreement isn't legal enforcement — it's the conversation. Working through the template forces you to surface assumptions before they become conflicts. You'll find out your roommate keeps the lights on until 2 AM before you sign a joint lease, not after.

The 19Eleven Advantage: Individual Leases Simplify This

Before diving into the template, here's something that changes the equation at 19Eleven: each roommate signs their own individual lease.

At most apartments, roommates sign a single joint lease — meaning everyone is jointly and severally liable for the full rent. If your roommate stops paying, you're on the hook for their portion. If they damage the unit, your security deposit is at risk.

At 19Eleven, each person has their own lease and their own financial obligation. A 4-bedroom unit at $1,750–$1,800/mo becomes four separate leases — each person owes roughly $437–$450/mo independently. A 2-bedroom at $1,295–$1,530/mo becomes two separate obligations of $647–$765/person.

This means your roommate agreement doesn't need complicated rent-splitting provisions. The financial piece is handled by the lease itself. What you need to agree on are the shared-space and lifestyle expectations.

View available floor plans to see which unit size fits your group.

The Roommate Agreement Template: 9 Sections to Cover

Use this as a starting framework. Write it out in a shared Google Doc so everyone can contribute, then print and sign it on move-in day.

1. Cleaning and Chores

The #1 source of roommate conflict is cleanliness — specifically, different standards of clean. Define it explicitly:

• Shared spaces (kitchen, bathrooms, living room): Who cleans what, and how often?
• Kitchen dishes: Is the rule "clean within 24 hours" or "clean immediately after use"?
• Trash: Who takes it out, and what triggers a bag change (full, or specific day of week)?
• Vacuum/mop: How often, and on rotation or fixed assignment?

Tip: rotating schedules work better than fixed assignments for people with variable class schedules. A weekly chore rotation chart posted inside a cabinet door is enough.

2. Quiet Hours and Study Time

Baylor finals week hits hard, and noise is the #2 conflict driver (31% of disputes). Agree on:

• Weekday quiet hours: A standard of 10 PM–8 AM covers most schedules
• Weekend quiet hours: 12 AM–10 AM is a common compromise
• Study blocks: If someone has an exam Monday, is Sunday quiet after 8 PM?
• Headphones policy: Is music/TV acceptable if headphones are used?

3. Guest and Overnight Visitor Policy

This is where assumptions diverge most. Some students expect total autonomy over who sleeps over; others see it as a shared decision. Decide upfront:

• Advance notice: 24 hours for overnight guests is reasonable and common
• Maximum consecutive nights: 3–4 consecutive nights is a typical limit; more than that and a guest functionally becomes a roommate
• Partner frequency: If someone's partner visits every weekend, that affects everyone's access to shared spaces
• Guest accountability: Roommates are responsible for their guests' behavior

4. Shared Expenses Beyond Rent

Since individual leases handle the rent, this section covers optional shared costs:

• Cleaning supplies: Split equally, or each person buys their own?
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels): Shared supply with equal contribution, or individual?
• Kitchen items: Shared cooking oil, spices, condiments — or separate shelves?
• Streaming services: Who pays, and is everyone sharing the account?

Pro tip: a shared Venmo pool or Splitwise group prevents the awkwardness of chasing down $8 for a Costco paper towel run.

5. Kitchen and Food Rules

Keep this simple: shared vs. separate. Most roommates choose one of two models:

• Separate everything: Each person has their own shelf in the fridge and pantry. Clearly labeled. Don't touch without asking.
• Communal staples, separate meals: Cooking oil, spices, and condiments are shared; everything else is labeled and personal.

Also decide: is it okay to eat a roommate's labeled food if you replace it? What about snacks?

6. Temperature and Utilities

Texas summers push electricity bills to $120–$150/mo for a 1-bedroom equivalent space. At 19Eleven, internet is included in the $135/mo flat fee, which removes one variable. But agree on:

• Thermostat range: Many roommates settle on a band (68–76°F is typical)
• Who adjusts: Open access, or one person designated to avoid constant changes?
• Windows/doors: In Texas summer, an open window while the AC runs creates real friction

7. Parking and Common Area Use

At 19Eleven, parking is included with your unit. But:

• Designated spots: Does everyone have a spot, or is it first-come?
• Living room furniture: Can people move shared furniture? Who brings what?
• Entry area: Shoes on or off? Bags/coats in rooms or by the door?

8. Conflict Resolution

Write this while everyone is getting along, so you have a process when they're not:

1. Direct conversation first: Bring it up within 24–48 hours, not weeks later
2. Written note if in-person is uncomfortable: A Snapchat or text stating the issue without accusation works better than letting it fester
3. Third-party help: If direct conversation fails, 19Eleven's leasing office is a neutral resource — they deal with roommate issues regularly
4. Escalation options: In extreme cases, each person's individual lease makes it possible to resolve situations without involving every roommate's financial future

9. Move-Out Plan

Even if move-out seems far away, getting ahead of it prevents the most expensive conflicts:

• Lease end date: Everyone's lease expires July 31 at 19Eleven
• Shared items: What happens to things you bought together — the couch, the TV, the kitchen table?
• Cleaning before keys return: Who handles what? Professional cleaning or DIY?
• Security deposit: At 19Eleven, individual leases mean individual deposits — no shared pool to argue over

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming "we're friends, we don't need this." Roommate conflicts are most damaging in close friendships because they carry the added weight of the relationship. A quick agreement actually protects the friendship.

Skipping the conversation and just signing. The document matters less than the discussion. Read each section out loud and let everyone react before you finalize anything.

Making it too strict. A roommate agreement isn't a contract to enforce compliance — it's a reference point when questions come up. Keep it flexible enough to allow for normal college life.

Not revisiting it. If a new roommate joins mid-year, or if circumstances change significantly, update the agreement. Add a version date to track changes.

Ready to Move In?

A good roommate agreement takes about 30 minutes to draft and can save a semester's worth of tension. For Baylor students moving into 19Eleven, the individual lease structure already handles the hardest part — finances. What's left is the lifestyle agreement, and that's entirely in your hands.

If you're still finding roommates, our guide to roommate matching near Baylor covers the platforms Baylor students actually use, and the rent-splitting math breaks down how different floor plan sizes pencil out per person.

When you're ready to make it official, view available floor plans or apply online. Individual leases are available for all 2BR, 3BR, and 4BR units.