Draft a Customizable Residential Roommate Agreement
The topic
AI tools now offering personalized legal document drafting assistance
New advancements in AI models allow individuals to receive personalized assistance with drafting common legal documents, such as wills, rental agreements, or non-disclosure agreements, by simply describing their needs.
Today's framework: BAB — Before · After · Bridge
Draft a Customizable Residential Roommate Agreement
You'll end up with a complete, three-page roommate agreement that covers rent, utilities, chores, and house rules tailored to your specific home situation.
The prompt
Before: I am moving into a two-bedroom apartment with a new roommate, Alex. We are both busy professionals who want to avoid future conflicts, but we don't have a formal written agreement, and hiring a lawyer for a simple roommate contract is too expensive.
After: I want a clear, professional, and friendlyRoommate Agreement that clearly outlines how we split the $2,000 rent, how we handle the electricity bill, our expectations for quiet hours after 10 PM, and a weekly rotating cleaning schedule for the kitchen and bathroom.
Bridge: Act as a legal drafting assistant. Please write a comprehensive Residential Roommate Agreement for me and Alex. Include sections for Rent/Security Deposit, Utility Payment Procedures, House Rules (focusing on noise and guests), and a shared Cleaning Schedule. Use plain language that is easy to follow but formal enough to be taken seriously.
Result: A ready-to-print, 1,000-word Roommate Agreement document with signature lines for both parties.
How to use it
1.Copy and paste the prompt into ChatGPT or Gemini and fill in your roommate's name if different.
2.Review the generated text to ensure the rent amounts and house rules match your verbal agreement.
3.Copy the text into a Word document or Google Doc to format it nicely.
4.Print two copies, sit down with your roommate to sign them, and give one copy to each person.
Things to watch for
·Always have a human professional review legal documents for state-specific compliance.
·Do not include sensitive private data like Social Security numbers in the chat.
·The AI might use general laws; verify if your local city has specific tenant rights.
Why this prompt works
This prompt uses the BAB framework to give the AI context. The 'Before' section explains the relationship and the 'pain' of potential conflict. The 'After' sets a high standard for the tone and specific rules needed. The 'Bridge' gives the AI the specific 'Legal Assistant' persona needed to generate a structured, formal document rather than just a casual list of notes. This structure ensures the AI doesn't forget important sections like security deposits or utility handling.
Example AI response
ROOMMATE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made on October 24, 2023, between [Your Name] and Alex.
1. RENT: The total monthly rent is $2,000. Each roommate shall pay $1,000 by the 1st of each month.
2. UTILITIES: The electricity bill shall be split 50/50. [Your Name] will pay the bill online, and Alex will reimburse within 3 days via Venmo.
3. HOUSE RULES: Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM on weekdays. Guests staying more than two consecutive nights require prior approval.
4. CLEANING: A rotating schedule is established. Week A: Alex cleans the kitchen, [Your Name] cleans the bathroom. Week B: Roles reverse.
Signature: _________________ Date: ______
Sample only — your AI's answer will be different. That's the fun part.
Try a variation
For a Freelance Project
Before: I am a freelance graphic designer starting a project for a local bakery. I need a contract but I'm worried about being vague and not getting paid on time.
After: I want a professional Service Agreement that outlines a $500 project fee, a 50% upfront deposit, two rounds of revisions, and a final delivery date of October 1st.
Bridge: Act as a legal drafting assistant. Draft a Creative Services Contract between me (the Designer) and 'Sunny Bakes' (the Client). Include sections on Scope of Work, Payment Terms, Intellectual Property ownership, and Termination.
Result: A formal one-page Freelance Service Agreement.
For a Simple Will
Before: I am a parent with two children and a small home, but I haven't documented my wishes because the process feels overwhelming and final.
After: I want a simple, clear Last Will and Testament that names my spouse as the primary beneficiary and my sister as the guardian for my children if needed.
Bridge: Act as a legal drafting assistant. Create a draft of a Simple Will for a resident of Ohio. Include sections for Executor appointment, Guardian designation for minors, and Asset Distribution.
Result: A formal, structured template for a Last Will and Testament.
For a Nondisclosure Agreement
Before: I have a new invention idea I want to show to a potential manufacturer, but I'm terrified they will steal my design before I can patent it.
After: I want a legally binding Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) that protects my 'Smart Garden' prototype details during our meeting next Tuesday.
Bridge: Act as a legal drafting assistant. Draft a One-Way Nondisclosure Agreement between me (the Discloser) and the Manufacturer (the Recipient). Ensure it covers Trade Secrets and has a duration of 3 years.
Result: A professional 2-page Nondisclosure Agreement.
Power tips
Tell the AI your specific state or province to get more relevant local language.
If the first draft is too long, ask the AI to 'simplify this into one page'.
Ask the AI to add a 'Dispute Resolution' clause to help handle future arguments peacefully.