Joe, Frank and Bill could set up a contract stating exactly how much rent each party is responsible for:

I, Joe Blow will pay $250.00 rent money on fifteenth day of each month by five o'clock PM.

I, Frank Dunn will pay $250.00 rent money on fifteenth day of each month by five o'clock PM.

I, Bill Schnill will pay $250.00 rent money on fifteenth day of each month by five o'clock PM.

Signed:

Joe Blow

Frank Dunn

Bill Schnill

They could then get this document notarized for legal verification. In event that one of parties did not pay $250.00 on fifteenth day of a certain month by five pm, other two parties could take legal action against him and avoid a bad mark on their rental history record. Notarization usually costs under ten dollars, and Notaries are easy to find. This simple contract could save you and your responsible roommates from any legal problems in future.

So, in order to avoid any future disasters with irresponsible roommates, you need to decide how things are going to be handled once you all move in together. Just make sure that all agreements are written and legally verified. Oral contracts don’t impress Judge Judy!

dan the roommate

3. Remember that a contract is a legally binding document.

Depending on state your renting in, lease can cover everything from what you pay to who's responsible for yard work. Regardless of what lease states, if you sign it, you must abide by it. If you break lease without your landlord's approval, you could end up losing everything from your security deposit to your credit.

The only exception to this rule is if you, your roommate(s) and your landlord agree to add an amendment. This amendment can nullify or add to original agreements made in original lease. The amendment must be signed and dated by all parties involved in lease.

4. Don't be afraid to talk to your landlord.

If you're worried about making a payment, or you don't think you're going to be able to fulfill lease term, talk to your landlord before you do anything. Maybe you'll be able to work out some sort of agreement. While landlords don't have to make any exceptions for you, they'll be much more likely to help you out if you approach them before there's a problem rather than after you've missed a payment, etc.

Whether you're renting for three months or three years; these rules apply to anyone wanting to be a responsible renter.

dan the roommate man