Room Rental Agreement Template
Renting out a spare room works better when the rules are written down. Rent, utilities, deposit, and house rules land in one document with a room rental agreement template.
Customize & DownloadRoom Rental Agreement Template Sample
This Room Rental Agreement is made between the Landlord, [1. Landlord Full Name], and the Tenant, [2. Tenant Full Name], for the rental of a room located at [3. Property Address]. The parties agree to the following terms:
1. Premises.
The Landlord rents to the Tenant the private room described as [4. Room Description] (the “Room”), together with the right to use the shared areas of the property, including the kitchen, bathroom, and living room, on a reasonable basis.
2. Term.
This agreement begins on [5. Start Date] and continues on a month-to-month basis. Either party may terminate the tenancy by providing written notice at least [6. Notice Period] days before the end of a rental period.
3. Rent.
The Tenant agrees to pay monthly rent of [7. Monthly Rent] in the currency of the United States, due on the [8. Rent Due Day] day of each month. Payment shall be made by [9. Payment Method]. A late fee of [10. Late Fee] applies if rent is not received by the due date.
4. Utilities.
The Tenant is responsible for paying [11. Tenant Utilities] each month. The Landlord is responsible for all other utility services for the property. The Tenant agrees not to use shared utilities in a wasteful manner.
5. Security Deposit.
The Tenant has paid a security deposit of [12. Security Deposit Amount], to be held by the Landlord. The Landlord may deduct from the deposit for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, and shall return the remaining balance within [13. Deposit Return Days] days after the tenancy ends, together with an itemized statement of any deductions.
6. House Rules.
The Tenant agrees to keep the Room and shared areas clean, to dispose of trash properly, to observe quiet hours between [14. Quiet Hours Start] and [15. Quiet Hours End], and to limit overnight guests to no more than [16. Max Guest Nights] consecutive nights without the Landlord’s prior written approval.
7. Use of Property.
The Room shall be used as a private residence only. The Tenant shall not sublet the Room or assign this agreement without written consent. Smoking and the keeping of pets are [17. Smoking Pet Policy].
8. Entry.
The Landlord may enter the Room with reasonable notice to inspect, repair, or show the property. In an emergency, the Landlord may enter without notice.
9. Default.
If the Tenant fails to pay rent or breaches any term of this agreement, the Landlord may terminate the tenancy in accordance with applicable law and pursue any available remedy.
Did this document meet your needs?
What was missing or could be improved?
What's Included
6 provisionsThis template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary by state and locality; consult a local attorney for compliance.
How to Use
Load the current template
The agreement is built to standard 2026 room rental practice, ready to fill in.
Set your terms
Enter the parties, room, rent, utilities split, deposit, and the house rules that matter to you.
Save and share
Preview the finished agreement and export it as Word or PDF for both parties to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a room rental agreement and a lease?
A room rental agreement covers renting a single room in a shared home, usually month-to-month. A lease typically covers an entire property for a fixed term of six or twelve months.
Can a landlord enter a tenant's room without notice?
No, except in an emergency. Landlords should give reasonable notice — typically 24 hours — before entering a rented room for inspection or repairs.
How much security deposit can a landlord charge?
It depends on the state, but one to two months' rent is common. Some states cap the deposit, so check local rules before collecting it.
Can the landlord evict a tenant who has no written agreement?
Yes, but the process follows state law even without a written lease. Written agreements make the rules and notice periods clear, which protects both sides.
