How to Legally Document a Roommate Agreement in Utah
What to include, how to divide costs, e-signing under Utah law, and practical steps to avoid disputes
Living with roommates can be convenient and cost-effective, but unclear expectations often lead to conflict. A written roommate agreement keeps friendships and finances intact. This guide shows how to create a Utah roommate agreement that covers rent, utilities, responsibilities, early move-outs, and damage, plus how electronic signatures work under Utah law.
Why a Written Agreement Matters
A roommate agreement isn’t required in Utah, but it’s highly recommended. It creates a record of commitments and helps prevent stressful arguments about unpaid rent or chores. A signed agreement can be used in small claims court if a roommate doesn’t pay their share.
Lease vs. Roommate Agreement
Lease: Your contract with the landlord governing rent, deposits, and property rules.
Roommate agreement: An agreement between roommates that complements the lease and covers day-to-day, living shared bills, chores, guests, pets, and early move-outs. Use the lease as your base and add house-specific rules here.
Core Terms to Include
Dividing Shared Expenses & Documenting Payments
Money causes most roommate disputes. Keep receipts, bills, and payment confirmations. Use a shared expense app or spreadsheet. If one person pays the landlord or utility company, note that in the agreement and ensure prompt reimbursements. Good records make small-claims recovery easier.
Early Move-Outs & Damage
If someone leaves before the lease ends, remaining tenants may still owe full rent to the landlord. Clarify whether the departing roommate must find a replacement, how unpaid rent is split, and whether any portion of the deposit is refunded or held. Use Utah small claims court if needed to recover damage costs.
Guests, Pets, and Noise
- How long overnight guests may stay
- Weekday and weekend quiet hours
- Any restrictions on parties, pets, or smoking
Signing the Agreement — Electronic or Paper?
Under Utah Code § 78B-5-822 and the Utah Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, electronic signatures are valid if all parties consent. You can sign via email, PDF e-sign, or apps like DocuSign. Make sure each roommate gets a copy, names and dates are clear, and signatures are captured in the same session or tracked digitally.
Keep It Simple, Clear, and Updated
The best roommate agreements are short, specific, and easy to update. If living arrangements change (adding a roommate or adjusting rent share), revise and re-sign so everyone stays aligned.
Checklist: Utah Roommate Agreement Essentials
Written agreement, not just verbal
Rent and utilities clearly divided
Deposit shares recorded and refund rules
Rules for guests, pets, chores, and noise
Move-out notice and replacement process
Damage responsibility and documentation
All roommates sign; copies saved
Utah Code References
- Utah Code § 78B-5-822 — Electronic signatures
- Utah Uniform Electronic Transactions Act
Video & Social Learning Hub
YouTube: Roommate Agreements
Need Help Applying This to Your Situation?
This guide is educational, not legal advice. If you have a dispute or complex facts, talk to a Utah housing attorney or mediator to make sure your agreement fits your situation.
Talk to a Utah AttorneyUtah Law Explained helps you understand Utah’s laws in plain English so you can live, rent, and plan with confidence. Explore our mission or connect with trusted counsel like Gibb Law Firm.