Moving In and Moving Out

Even off-campus students have roommate problems. When you sign a lease with someone it’s not easy to leave your agreement and/or find a new place to live mid-year. Start the year off on the right foot by having conversations with your roommate(s) before you move in, once you move in, and then throughout the year. Discuss some of the below standards to set clear and honest expectations and guidelines for your living experience.

Each roommate should sign this and receive an original copy. Iona University takes no responsibility for roommates not following the guidelines of the agreement or any liability that might result in this agreement. This is merely a tool to assist off-campus students to be modified as needed and to promote conversation.

For assistance from a neutral facilitator filling this out or mediating a roommate conflict, please contact the Office of Off-Campus and Commuter Services at (914) 633-2243 to schedule an appointment.

Sample:

This agreement made on (date) is an agreement between: (roommate's name), (roommate's name), (roommate's name), and (roommate's name), roommates living at (address), New Rochelle, NY 10801.

The terms of the agreement begin on (date) and end on (date). I understand and accept written responsibility for this agreement.

Rent, Charges, and Fees

I understand that I, as an individual, and we, as a group, are responsible to the landlord/manager, utilities companies, and each other. We agree to the rules and conditions of the lease. And each tenant shall pay ONE/(number of tenants) of the following expenses:

• (amount) rent by (date) of each month.
• (amount) telephone services
• (amount) electricity
• (amount) water
• (amount) cable/internet
• (amount) heating oil/gas
• (amount) security deposit
• (amount) utility deposits
• (amount) other

Any late fees will be incurred by the person(s) making the late payments.

Moving Out

Each person will remain a resident on the premises and pay his/her portion of the above fees until the term of the agreement ceases unless a roommate is given written permission by the landlord/manager to sublet and finds a person to replace him/her. All roommates should accept the person sublet to unless an unreasonable cause exists. The subletter remains responsible for the apartment/fees if this person defaults in any way.

I will take responsibility for any damage done to the apartment that I cause. I will either repair this damage prior to moving out or refund the security deposit to my roommates for the amount deducted for the damage. Otherwise, the remainder of the returned security deposit will be equally returned to each renter.

I agree to the following arrangements regarding:

• Food/Shopping:
• Cleaning/Responsibilities:
• Orderliness/Tidiness:
• Garbage Removal:
• Exterior Maintenance:
• Privacy:
• Sharing Personal Items:
• Borrowing Money:
• Smoking/Drinking/Drugs:
• Parties/Entertaining:
• Overnight Guests:
• Pets:
• Furniture/Appliances:
• Noise:
• Other:

When I have a problem with something occurring in the dwelling, roommates agree to communicate with each other by: (mode of communication).

As a party to this agreement I realize that I, as well as each of my roommates, have equal right to the use of the space and facilities in the dwelling with the exception of the areas we have designated as individual’s private space. The agreement is intended to promote positive communication, mutual expectations, and respect.

Resident’s Signature & Date
Resident’s Signature & Date
Resident’s Signature & Date

This letter is a sample only and is intended to be used for reference purposes. Please refer to the terms and conditions specified in your individual lease when composing a notice to move out letter. It is recommended that you consult with a real estate attorney or agent before sending and that this letter be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested.

Sample:

Date:

Landlord’s Name:
Landlord’s Address:
City/State/ZIP Code:

Dear (Landlord):

Please accept this letter as written notification of my intent to vacate the premises located at (rental property address) on (date), in accordance with the lease agreement. I will return my keys to you on (date) at (address).

Landlords have the right to deduct from the security deposit only for damages beyond reasonable wear and tear. Therefore, I would like to inspect my premises in your presence in order to document the condition of the property and make sure you are satisfied with its condition. Please contact me by (date) at (phone number) to schedule a convenient inspection time. .

Furthermore, I request the security deposit in the amount of (security deposit amount) be returned to me within thirty (30) days of the lease expiration. This notice is being sent on (date) and therefore shall serve to notify you that my security deposit of (security deposit amount) should be returned by (date). Please forward the security deposit to the new address listed below.

Cordially,

Tenant Name(s) and Signature(s):
Address:
City/State/ZIP Code:

Forwarding Address:

Phone Number:

Cc: Copy retained for tenant records

This letter is a sample only and is intended to be used for reference purposes. Please refer to the terms and conditions specified in your individual lease when composing a notice to repair letter. It is recommended that you consult with a real estate attorney or agent before sending and that this letter be sent via certified mail with return receipt requested.

Sample:

Tenant Name(s):
Tenant’s Address:
City/State/ZIP Code:
Date:

Landlord’s Name:
Landlord’s Address:
City/State/ZIP Code:

Dear (Landlord):

As a follow up to the information shared with you by telephone/email exchange on (date) this letter constitutes as notice of the following conditions presently existing at the apartment located at: (address), which are in need of repair.

List of Conditions which Must be Remedied:

(Optional) During our phone conversation/email exchange you shared that these repairs would be made by: (person/company) on (date).

You are required to keep this rental unit in a fit and habitable condition and to make all repairs. Your failure to maintain this unit in a safe, decent, and sanitary condition means that you are in violation of your landlord obligations and the terms of the lease agreement.

Please note New York law prohibits any landlord from retaliating against a tenant by threatening eviction, decreasing services, or increasing rent because the tenant has engaged in a protected activity, such as complaining about dwelling conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation. I am sure you will take care of these conditions so that no further action is necessary. Please call me at: (phone number) to arrange a mutually convenient time to make these repairs.

Cordially,

Tenant Name(s) and Signature(s):
Address:
City/State/ZIP Code:

Cc: copy retained for my records