Avoid awkward money talks and last-minute disputes—learn exactly how to build a legally sound roommate contract and split rent fairly in Michigan.
Signing a lease together creates a legal marriage of sorts—every co-tenant becomes jointly and severally liable for the full rent and any damage. A Michigan roommate agreement doesn’t override your landlord’s lease, but it does spell out internal rules before tensions boil over. Think of it as a house constitution covering money, chores, guests, and exit strategies. Without one, you’ll be leaning on handshake promises when the Wi-Fi bill goes unpaid or a partner moves in “temporarily.” A written contract clarifies expectations, supplies evidence in small-claims court, and protects friendships.
Because Michigan rental markets tighten each year—especially in college towns—many tenants grab the first available room. A solid agreement gives everyone the same playbook from day one, blending courtesy with enforceable terms.
Michigan landlord-tenant statutes focus on the relationship between landlord and tenants, not roommate-to-roommate. Yet those laws still shape your internal contract:
Bottom line: a roommate agreement can’t reduce obligations to the landlord, but it can allocate costs, define quiet hours, and create a paper trail courts respect.
Purpose: Establish how much each person pays and the due date.
Courts look for: clear dollar figures or percentage; payment method.
Each Roommate shall pay the following amounts on or before the 1st of every month:
• Alex – $650 via Venmo @Landlord
• Brianna – $550 via Zelle
Purpose: Prevent the “I paid last month” cycle.
Sample wording:
Utilities (gas, electric, water) will be split 50/50. Internet is paid solely by Alex; Brianna reimburses $30 monthly.
Define tasks and frequency—courts rarely enforce chores, but clarity quells resentment.
Specify time windows (e.g., 10 p.m.–7 a.m.) and headset requirements for gaming.
Limit guest nights per month and require 24-hour notice for out-of-town visitors.
Note pet deposits between roommates and whether smoking is banned indoors.
Any landlord deduction will be divided in the same ratio as monthly rent unless attributable to one roommate's negligence.
Require 30-day written notice and an approved replacement who passes the landlord’s screening.
Escalate from house meeting ➜ written notice ➜ community mediation ➜ small claims.
Add clauses for parking, furniture damage, and agreement modifications. Courts favor agreements that mirror lease language and assign dollar values to breaches.
Choosing a method before move-in avoids tense math sessions later. Compare popular formulas:
Method | Best For | Drawbacks | Example Formula |
---|---|---|---|
Equal Split | Identical rooms & incomes | Feels unfair if bedroom sizes differ | $1 200 ÷ 2 = $600 each |
Income-Based % | Big salary gaps | Requires sharing personal data | Rent × (Your income / Total income) |
Square Footage | Differently sized rooms | Ignores closet size, windows | Rent × (Room ft² / Total bedroom ft²) |
Amenity Credit | One ensuite or parking spot | Hard to price perks objectively | $50 off for private bath |
Seniority Discount | New roommate joins existing lease | Can breed resentment | Newest pays +$25 premium |
Plug in total rent and choose a method to see each roommate’s share. Data stays in your browser.
Roommate | Share ($) |
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Use plain English, list dollar amounts, and date the document. Each roommate should sign and keep a photo of the agreement. Re-visit quarterly—small edits beat emergency negotiations.
[SIGNATURES]
Alex _________________ Date ____/____/____
Brianna _________________ Date ____/____/____
Attach your lease as Exhibit A so newcomers see original terms.