What every co-tenant should understand before signing
Read the whole lease, including addenda. Confirm the rent, deposit, term, renewal rules, utility responsibility, occupancy limits, pets, guests, parking, repairs, and any rule on subletting or replacing a roommate.
Ask how the landlord handles a tenant leaving early and whether the remaining tenants must qualify a replacement. If the lease makes multiple tenants responsible for the full rent, understand that this can expose you to another person’s missed payment.
Keep the signed lease, all notices, condition photos, and payment records. Make a separate roommate agreement for chores, shared purchases, and internal rent splits; it does not replace the lease, but it can reduce conflict.
For terms you do not understand, seek legal advice before signing—not after the household falls apart.