When living with roommates, clarity and expectations are essential for maintaining peace in the household. A simple renter agreement can help outline the rules and consequences, ensuring everyone is on the same page. One useful method is a “three strikes” system that allows fair warning while protecting the shared living environment.

Here’s how to structure a renter agreement with that in mind:

1. Basic Information:

Start with the essentials:

• Names of all tenants and the landlord
• Address of the rental property
• Start date of the rental agreement
• Monthly rent amount and due date
• Deposit amount, if any

2. Roommate Conduct Expectations:

List clear, basic rules that apply to all tenants. These can include:

• Pay rent on time
• Keep shared areas clean
• No loud noise after agreed hours
• Respect privacy and property of others
• No illegal activity on the premises
• Communicate openly about issues

3. Three Strikes Policy:

Add a clear clause that outlines how violations are handled:

Three Strikes Clause Example:

If a tenant repeatedly fails to follow the house rules listed in this agreement, the following system will apply:

• First Strike: Verbal or written warning issued, with explanation of the rule broken
• Second Strike: Formal written notice and a discussion to try to resolve the issue
• Third Strike: If no improvement is shown and a third incident occurs, the tenant may be asked to leave the property with [insert notice period, e.g., 30 days] notice

This system is meant to provide fair warning and encourage improvement. However, serious offenses such as theft, violence, or illegal activity may result in immediate removal without following the three-step warning process.

4. Shared Responsibilities:

Define who is responsible for:

• Taking out garbage
• Buying shared supplies (toilet paper, cleaning products)
• Doing dishes
• Maintaining common areas

You can assign rotating schedules or keep it flexible depending on the group.

5. Guest Policy:

Establish guidelines for how often guests can stay and what kind of notice is required. This avoids misunderstandings or long-term guests who don’t contribute.

6. Ending the Agreement:

State how much notice a tenant must give before moving out and under what conditions someone can be asked to leave.

Conclusion:

A renter agreement doesn’t need to be long or complicated. It just needs to be clear, fair, and agreed upon by everyone. The three-strikes approach gives roommates a chance to correct behavior while protecting the household from ongoing disruption. Putting expectations in writing reduces conflict and helps everyone live more comfortably and respectfully.