How to Determine Rent Breakdown for Roommates
- 1). Compare the personal living space that each roommate will use. For example, if two roommates are sharing a two-bedroom apartment but one of the bedrooms is significantly larger with an adjoining master bathroom, a fair division of the rent should have this roommate pay approximately 65 to 70 percent of the rent. Similarly, if two roommates share a one-bedroom apartment with one of the roommates sleeping on a pullout sofa in the living room, this roommate should pay about 25 percent less rent.
- 2). Consider the windows and features of the bedrooms. For example, if one bedroom has a patio door and balcony and the other bedroom has standard windows, the occupant of the first bedroom should pay more rent. If one bedroom has a walk-in closet and the other bedroom has a smaller closet, the occupant of the first bedroom should pay more rent. Adjust the rent less for these features -- perhaps the roommate with the nicer bedroom should pay 10 percent more rent.
- 3). Apportion the rent according to parking and storage allotted to each roommate. For example, if the rental unit includes one garage parking space only, the roommate using the garage parking space should perhaps pay 10 percent more rent. Another alternative would be to split the use of the garage parking space equally between the two roommates and not adjust the rent.
- 4). Factor in pets to the rental division. For example, a roommate with a pet should pay any additional rent charges incurred due to the presence of the pet. Draft an agreement before you sign the lease that makes the pet owner responsible for any damage that occurs from the pet.
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