Real Estate Template
Free Room Rental Agreement Template
A room rental agreement covers renting a room in a shared house or apartment.
Template
Copy this markdown, replace the {{variables}}, and send via API.
# Room Rental Agreement
**Homeowner:** {{homeownerName}}
**Tenant:** {{tenantName}}
**Property:** {{address}}
**Room:** {{roomDescription}}
**Date:** {{date}}
## Rent
{{monthlyRent}} per month, due {{dueDate}}
## Shared Spaces
{{sharedSpaces}}
## Utilities
{{utilitySplit}}
## House Rules
{{houseRules}}
## Term
{{term}}
## Notice to Vacate
{{noticePeriod}}Send for e-signature
curl -X POST https://signb.ee/api/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"content": "YOUR_RENDERED_MARKDOWN",
"senderName": "Your Name",
"senderEmail": "you@company.com",
"recipientName": "Recipient",
"recipientEmail": "recipient@email.com"
}'What happens next
- Signbee converts the markdown to a professional PDF
- Recipient gets an email with a signing link
- Both parties sign with an animated handwriting signature
- Both receive the signed PDF with a SHA-256 certificate
All signatures are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, eIDAS, and ECA.
More details
A room rental agreement is distinct from a standard residential lease. It covers a room within a shared property rather than an entire unit, and introduces shared-space dynamics that a whole-property lease doesn't need to address.
Room rental vs residential lease — key differences: - Room rental: Tenant has exclusive use of their room and shared use of common areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room). The landlord or other tenants may live in the same property. - Residential lease: Tenant has exclusive use of the entire property. The landlord does not live there. - Legal implications: In many jurisdictions, renting a room in your own home has fewer regulatory protections than a standard tenancy. Some tenant protection laws (eviction notice periods, deposit limits) may not apply to lodgers.
Essential clauses specific to room rentals: 1. Room description — Identify the exact room being rented (e.g., 'second floor front bedroom, approximately 12m²'). Include what's furnished and its condition at move-in. 2. Shared spaces — List all common areas the tenant may use: kitchen, bathroom(s), living room, garden, laundry room, parking. Define any areas that are off-limits. 3. Utility split — How are shared utilities divided? Equal split among all occupants? Included in rent? Proportional to room size? This is the most common source of housemate disputes. 4. Guest policy — Overnight guests, frequency limits, and notification requirements. In shared housing, uninvited guests create more friction than in a standalone rental. 5. Cleaning responsibilities — Cleaning rota for shared spaces, standards expected, and consequences for non-compliance. 6. Quiet hours — Agreed hours for noise restrictions, especially if housemates have different work schedules. 7. Food and kitchen use — Shared groceries or separate? Labelling requirements? Fridge shelf assignments? 8. Notice period — Typically shorter than a full lease (2-4 weeks vs. 1-2 months). This reflects the more informal nature of room rentals.
Lodger vs tenant distinction: If the landlord lives in the property, the room renter is typically classified as a 'lodger' rather than a 'tenant'. Lodgers have fewer legal protections in most jurisdictions — the landlord may be able to end the arrangement with shorter notice and without formal eviction proceedings. This distinction should be acknowledged in the agreement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a lodger and a tenant?
A lodger rents a room in a property where the landlord also lives. A tenant rents an entire property or has exclusive possession of their unit. Lodgers typically have fewer legal protections — the landlord may be able to end the arrangement with shorter notice and without formal eviction procedures.
How should utilities be split in a room rental?
Common approaches: equal split among all occupants, included in rent (simplest), or proportional to room size. Equal split is the most common. Including utilities in rent avoids monthly disputes but requires the landlord to estimate costs accurately.
Can room rental agreements be signed electronically?
Yes. Room rental agreements are valid with electronic signatures under ESIGN (US), eIDAS (EU), and ECA (UK). E-signing is convenient for room rentals where the landlord and tenant may not meet in person before move-in.
Related resources
Send this template for signing — free, no credit card.