Simple Cohabitation Agreement Template

This Agreement exists to make our living arrangement clear and fair, and to avoid misunderstandings about money and belongings.

Living together does not make us married, and it does not create any rights between us other than those in this Agreement or those the law gives us regardless of what we agree.

We each intend this Agreement to be followed in good faith. We will be honest and open with each other about matters covered here.

Nothing in this Agreement is a promise to stay together for any length of time, and nothing in it limits either of us from ending the relationship.

This Agreement covers the Home and any later home we share, unless we agree otherwise in writing.

Each of us confirms that we had the chance to get independent legal advice before signing, and that we were not pressured to sign.

Everything each of us owned before the Effective Date stays ours alone. This includes items we bought, received as gifts, or inherited, along with any money in our own names.

Each of us will keep a list of our main Personal Property of significant value, such as furniture, electronics, jewelry, vehicles and artwork. We may update the list by exchanging messages or notes. If we do not make a list, we will rely on other reasonable evidence of ownership, such as receipts or photos.

Gifts and inheritances received by one of us during the relationship remain the property of the person who received them, even if we use them in the Home.

If one of us uses money from our own funds to improve or repair the other's Personal Property, that money is treated as a [gift / loan to be repaid / other arrangement] unless we agree otherwise in writing before the money is spent.

Each of us may use the other's Personal Property only with permission. Permission to use something does not give any ownership of it.

If a Personal Property item is lost or damaged because of the other's carelessness, the person responsible will repair or replace it, or pay a fair amount for its value at the time.

Any increase in value of Personal Property stays with its owner, unless the other contributed to it under a written agreement.

Shared Items are things we buy together, or that we agree in writing or by message to treat as shared. Examples include [furniture, appliances, household goods, other].

Unless we agree otherwise, each of us owns Shared Items in equal shares, regardless of who paid or whose name is on the receipt. If we agree to different shares, we will write them down at the time of purchase.

For any Shared Item costing more than [amount], we will both agree to the purchase before it is made and note how the cost will be split.

If one of us pays more than their agreed share, the extra amount is treated as a [gift / loan to be repaid] unless we agree otherwise.

While we live together, either of us may use Shared Items freely. Neither of us may sell, give away or throw away a Shared Item worth more than [amount] without the other's consent.

If a Shared Item is lost, damaged or stolen, any insurance payment or compensation will be shared in proportion to our ownership shares.

Any vehicle, property or other major asset bought together will be recorded in a written note signed by both of us, setting out our shares and responsibilities.

We will share rent and household costs as follows: Partner A pays [percentage or amount] and Partner B pays [percentage or amount] of the rent or housing payment of [amount] due on [day] of each [period].

Household costs include utilities, internet, groceries, cleaning supplies, renter's or home insurance, and routine repairs. We will share these costs in the following way: [percentage or method].

Each of us will pay our share on time to [the landlord / the joint account / the other Partner] by [method] no later than [date or number of days] each [period].

If one of us loses income or has a financial emergency, we will talk about it promptly and try to agree on a temporary change. Any change must be written down, including how long it lasts and whether the shortfall must be repaid.

If one of us pays the other's share, the other will repay it within [number] days, unless we agree it is a gift.

If the lease or housing contract is in one name only, that person will not end it, change it or stop paying without giving the other at least [number] days' written notice. Both of us will follow the lease terms.

Each of us will pay for our own personal expenses, such as phone, clothing, personal subscriptions, medical costs and travel, unless we agree otherwise.

We will review our cost-sharing arrangement every [number] months, or sooner if either of us asks after a major change in income or circumstances.

Each of us may keep our own bank accounts in our own name. Those accounts, and the money in them, belong to the account holder alone.

We may open a joint account at [financial institution] to pay shared costs (the "Joint Account"). Each of us will deposit [amount or percentage] into it by [date] each [period].

Money in the Joint Account is to be used only for rent, household costs, Shared Items and other expenses we agree on. Neither of us may withdraw money for personal use without the other's agreement.

Unless we agree otherwise, money left in the Joint Account is shared in proportion to what each of us deposited. If we cannot tell, it is shared equally.

Each of us may view the account statements for the Joint Account at any time. We will keep records of shared expenses and make them available to each other on request.

Neither of us will take out a loan, credit card or other financial product in the other's name, or use the other's financial information, without clear written permission.

Savings or investments we agree to make together will be recorded in a written note signed by both of us, stating how they are held and shared.

Each of us is responsible for our own taxes and reporting, and neither of us is responsible for the other's tax obligations.

Each of us is responsible for our own debts, including debts taken on before or during the relationship, such as loans, credit cards and student loans. The other is not responsible for them.

If we take on a debt together, such as a joint loan or a lease, we will each pay [percentage] of it, unless we agree otherwise in writing. Both of us may still be responsible to the lender for the whole amount.

If one of us pays more than their fair share of a joint debt, the other will repay the difference within [number] days after being asked in writing.

Neither of us will take on a debt that is meant to be paid with the other's money or belongings unless the other agrees in writing.

If one of us is a guarantor or co-signer for the other, we will record that in writing and set out how the risk is shared.

We will tell each other promptly if we cannot make a payment on a joint debt or a shared expense, or if a creditor starts legal action that could affect the other.

If one of our personal debts leads to a claim against a Shared Item or the Joint Account, the person who owes the debt will repay the other for any loss caused.

This section applies to any pets we have now or acquire together. Our current pets are: [pet names, types and owners]. Pets we have at the Effective Date belong to the person who brought them, as listed here.

A pet we adopt or buy together is jointly owned, unless we agree in writing that one of us is the owner.

We will share routine costs for jointly owned pets, such as food, regular veterinary care, vaccinations, licensing and supplies, in the following proportions: [percentage]. The owner of a pet that is not joint pays its costs, unless we agree otherwise.

For major or emergency veterinary costs above [amount], we will talk first if time allows. If it does not, either of us may approve treatment that a reasonable owner would approve, and we will share the cost.

Both of us will take good care of every pet in the Home, including food, exercise, medical care and affection. Neither of us will give away, sell or rehome a pet without the owner's agreement.

If we separate, a pet that belongs to one of us stays with that owner. A jointly owned pet will stay with the person who can best meet the pet's needs, considering who has been the main caregiver, the pet's attachment, housing and schedule.

If we cannot agree, we will follow the process in Section 8 and Section 10. Where practical, the person who keeps a jointly owned pet will allow reasonable contact, as set out in a written plan [if desired], and may ask the other for a fair share of ongoing costs of [amount or percentage].

If either of us decides to separate, that person will give the other written notice. Unless we agree otherwise, we will both continue to follow this Agreement until the date we agree on or [number] days after the notice, whichever is earlier (the "Separation Date").

If both of us are named on the lease, we will work together to end it or transfer it. If only one of us is on the lease, the other will move out by the Separation Date, and the person leaving will be given at least [number] days to collect belongings.

If one of us has to move out, the person who stays will, where possible, allow the other [number] days' use of the Home or pay a share of housing costs for [number] days, as follows: [details].

Each of us will take back our own Personal Property. We will go through our Shared Items and decide in good faith how to divide them. Unless we agree otherwise, we will divide them equally in value, either by each taking items of about equal value or by one of us buying out the other for a fair price.

We will close or divide the Joint Account within [number] days of the Separation Date. After paying all shared bills, the remaining balance will be split as set out in Section 5.

We will each continue to pay our share of shared costs and joint debts until they are paid, settled or transferred. Housing costs will be shared until the lease ends or one of us is released from it.

Neither of us will have any right to support, a share of the other's income, or a share of the other's Personal Property because of this relationship, unless we agree otherwise in writing or the law gives that right regardless of what we agree.

We will treat each other with respect during a separation, and we will not damage, hide or take the other's property or private information.

We may change this Agreement only in writing, signed by both of us and stating the date of the change.

Either of us may ask to review this Agreement at any time. We will meet within [number] days of such a request to talk about it in good faith, but neither of us has to agree to a change.

This Agreement ends on the earliest of the following: we marry each other; we both agree in writing to end it; or the Separation Date and the completion of the steps in Section 8.

If we marry each other, this Agreement will [end / continue as a separate property agreement until we sign a new one].

Either of us may end this Agreement alone, by giving [number] days' written notice to the other. Ending it does not cancel any payment, debt or obligation that arose before it ended.

Sections that by their nature should continue after this Agreement ends, including those on debts, division of property and pets, will remain in effect until fully carried out.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [jurisdiction]. If any rule of those laws cannot be changed by agreement, that rule will apply, and the rest of this Agreement will still stand.

If we disagree about this Agreement, we will first talk about it directly and honestly, and we will try to settle it within [number] days after one of us raises the issue in writing.

If we cannot settle it by talking, we will try mediation with a neutral mediator chosen by both of us at [mediation provider or method]. We will share the mediator's fees equally, unless we agree otherwise.

If mediation does not work within [number] days of starting, either of us may take the matter to the courts of [jurisdiction or venue], which will have authority over any claim connected with this Agreement.

Each of us will pay our own legal costs, unless a court or mediator decides otherwise.

While a disagreement is being resolved, both of us will keep paying our share of the rent and essential household costs so that the Home is not put at risk.

Nothing in this section stops either of us from asking a court for urgent protection, such as in cases involving safety, harassment or the risk of loss of property.

This is the entire agreement between us on these topics and replaces any earlier talks, messages or understandings about them.

If any part of this Agreement is found to be invalid or cannot be enforced, the rest will remain in effect, and we will replace the invalid part with a valid one that is as close as possible to our original intent.

If one of us does not enforce a part of this Agreement at some time, that does not mean we give up the right to enforce it later.

Neither of us may transfer our rights or duties under this Agreement to anyone else without the other's written consent.

Notices under this Agreement must be in writing and may be sent by [email, text message, hand delivery or post] to the contact details at the top of this Agreement, or to any new details one of us gives the other in writing. A notice is received when [delivery rule].

Each of us will keep a copy of this Agreement and any signed changes. This Agreement may be signed in counterparts or electronically, and each signed copy is treated as an original.

Each of us will provide any further information or documents reasonably needed to carry out this Agreement.

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the meaning of this Agreement.