House Sharing Agreement UK: What It Covers & Why

What this document is

A house sharing agreement is a private written arrangement between people who live together in the same rented property. Its purpose is to record how the household will split shared costs, such as rent, council tax, gas, electricity, water, broadband, and any joint food or cleaning arrangements, and to set out how day-to-day matters will be handled.

Unlike the tenancy agreement, which is signed with the landlord, this document is signed only between the people who share the home. It can cover both tenants named on the tenancy and other occupants such as partners, lodgers, or family members staying long-term.

The practical value is clarity. When everyone has put their name to the same written rules, there is far less scope for someone to claim they never agreed to pay a particular share, and it gives housemates a reference point if a disagreement arises later.

It does not change the contractual relationship with the landlord, so joint and several liability under the tenancy usually remains in place.

How to use this document

1. Work out who is signing and in what capacity. List everyone who lives in the property, including tenants named on the tenancy agreement and occupants who are not formal tenants. Note which housemates are jointly liable to the landlord and which are staying under a more informal arrangement, because this affects who carries the risk if someone stops paying.
2. Agree how rent will be divided. Decide whether each housemate pays an equal share or whether shares are weighted, for example because one bedroom is larger, has an en-suite, or someone has exclusive use of a study. Record the monthly amount each person owes, the payment date, and the method of payment so there is no ambiguity from month to month.
3. Set out the rules for utility bills and shared costs. Identify which bills are shared, how they will be split, who is responsible for setting up each account, and how reimbursements work when one person pays the provider directly. Cover council tax, water, energy, broadband, TV licence, and any joint standing orders or subscriptions the household runs together.
4. Cover house rules and shared living expectations. Agree practical matters such as cleaning rotas, overnight guests, quiet hours, use of shared spaces, and whether pets are permitted. Being explicit early on avoids the slow build-up of resentment that often damages house shares and gives everyone a fair reference point if habits start to slip.
5. Put in a process for disputes, changes, and people leaving. Explain what happens if a housemate wants to move out, how replacements will be chosen, and how the agreement can be updated if rent changes or a new person joins. Include a simple route for resolving disagreements, such as a house meeting followed by mediation if needed.

Common questions