“We’re all Nepali. We’ll work it out.”

It is a comforting way to start a shared living arrangement. But before moving in, ask a few specific questions: Does rent include heating? Can a partner stay overnight? Who gets the parking space? What happens when someone leaves?

Putting expectations in writing is a practical way to respect everyone’s money, time, and personal space.

Whether you found a room through Sajha, a friend, or a community group, discuss these ten things before exchanging money or keys.

1. The rent—and what it includes

Write down the monthly amount, payment date, payment method, and who receives it. Identify the room being rented and which shared areas are included.

Avoid vague phrases such as “everything included.” List electricity, heating, water, internet, laundry, and parking separately.

2. How shared bills are divided

Will utilities be split equally among residents or divided another way? Who receives the bills, shares copies, and collects payments?

Discuss what happens when someone travels for several weeks or another person moves in. Agree on the method before the first bill arrives.

3. The deposit and other upfront payments

Record every payment, its purpose, and who holds it. Discuss how the deposit will be handled when you leave, subject to applicable law.

Take dated photographs of the room and any existing damage. Keep payment receipts and a copy of the agreement. Deposit rules differ by location; Massachusetts, for example, has specific requirements for receipts and handling deposits.

4. Guests and overnight stays

Discuss overnight guests, visiting relatives, partners, and advance notice.

A guest staying for dinner is different from someone using the kitchen, bathroom, and utilities for several weeks. Decide when a longer visit requires another conversation.

5. Cleaning and shared supplies

Agree on who cleans the bathroom, kitchen, floors, and refrigerator—and how often.

Also discuss dishes, trash, toilet paper, cleaning products, and shared groceries. A simple cleaning schedule gives everyone the same reference point.

6. Cooking and kitchen use

For a shared Nepali household, this deserves its own conversation.

Discuss kitchen hours, ventilation, refrigerator space, food sharing, and whether utensils are shared or kept separate. Mention dietary preferences and allergies before moving in.

7. Noise, schedules, and privacy

Someone working overnight may need to sleep during the day. Someone working from home may need quiet during meetings.

Agree on quiet hours, music, speakerphone calls, and entering another person’s room. Make expectations clear before schedules collide.

8. Parking, storage, pets, and smoking

Confirm whether a parking space is actually included. Discuss storage for luggage, bicycles, and other belongings.

Put any agreed rules about pets, smoking, and vaping in writing, consistent with the lease and local requirements.

9. Moving out or finding a replacement

Discuss notice, early departure, replacement roommates, keys, and outstanding bills.

Check the lease before assuming that moving out ends your financial responsibility. Boston’s housing guidance warns that a departing roommate’s share of rent may remain the responsibility of other tenants.

10. Who is authorized to rent the room

Are you renting from the property owner, joining an existing lease, or subletting from a tenant?

Ask to review the relevant lease terms and obtain any required landlord approval. Massachusetts’ student renting guide specifically recommends asking about subletting restrictions.

Keep a copy everyone can understand

Use clear language, include names and dates, and give everyone a signed copy. Record later changes too. A roommate agreement should be consistent with the lease and applicable law; local tenant resources can help with location-specific questions.

Before moving in, try saying:

“Let’s write down the basics now, so we both know what we’re agreeing to.”

Sajha readers: What is the one thing you wish you had discussed before sharing a home?