The West Virginia roommate agreement (“room rental agreement”) is a contract between the occupants of shared rental property (“co-tenants”). Each co-tenant’s financial obligation is stated, as well as any rules associated with living on the property. Each co-tenant must sign the contract per West Virginia state law.
This room rental agreement will allow them to rent out a room to another party, which means that not only will the rent be divided amongst the roommates, but the utilities and other expenses will be as well. This is a legally binding agreement, but it is between the roommates and not with the landlord, so to have this type of agreement, the original tenant will not need to have the approval of the landlord.
What to Include in a West Virginia Roommate Agreement
- The date that the roommate agreement begins and ends, and whether they will have the option of adding their names to the lease at some point.
- The names of all of the roommates living in the space. Extra space can be left to add new roommates to the same agreement.
- The location of the rental unit. Include any identifying cross streets.
- The terms of the rental agreement. This should include a copy of the original lease document so that the roommates have all of the information about the rental.
- Any house rules that the roommates will need to be aware of during their time in the unit.
- The amount of rent each roommate is responsible for paying.
- The utilities that the roommates will be responsible for paying each month.
- The signature of all of the roommates.
Roommate’s Rights in West Virginia
In West Virginia, a roommate is going to have fewer rights than they would if they signed onto the lease as a co-tenant, but they are not left without rental rights as a roommate. They have the right to live in a habitable space that is maintained and kept up to code by the landlord. They have the right to a peaceful place to live where the landlord does not violate their privacy. They also have the right to ask for reasonable repairs and not be discriminated against while residing in the unit. If their rights are violated, they will also have the option of taking the landlord to court.
