Room Mate Peace Makers

The Lease
The landlord may require the new person to be added onto the current lease; if not you should create and sign a lease between the new parties involved.

Make Sure You Get Everything In Writing
Heavens forbid if something happens to the roommate/ friendship relationship. But understand that things do happen. Protect yourself and get everything in writing.

Utilities Bills
Utilities bills are typically due each month and each party should agree on how much each person will pay. You should also determine whose name will be on the bill. Pay all bills with checks to have a record of payment.

Food Expense
How will the food expense be determined? Have everything worked out so no one gets angry when someone eats their frozen dinner.

Personal Space vs. Common Areas
Have a clear understanding of where the personal space vs. the everybody space is.

To Party or Not to Party - Noise Tolerance
Discuss before you move in what the noise level will be and or when to expect disturbances. For instance there may be party time vs. the I'm trying to rest time.

House Guests
Discuss all the rules about house guest before moving in.

Clean House vs. Dirty House
How will the place be maintained. Whose going to do the dishes? What about running the vacuum? Figure out these stuff before hand.

I Need to Leave before the Lease Expires
Think about the what if's. You should already have an agreement on what if I have to bail out before the lease is up, is it okay or is it not okay?