Do I have to write an agreement for my house mate to sign even though?
Caution here. You might want to read your lease before you bring in a roommate. Most leases prohibit anyone but the lessee (you) living at the property for more than a few days, often 14, without the landlord's prior written authorization unless that person is also the landlord's lessee (your co-lessee) or listed in the lease as a resident, as a child would be. Bringing someone in for more than a visit without the landlord's knowledge and permission is often grounds for eviction - of you, not just the unauthorized resident. It is possible that the landlord would be glad to have your roommate as a tenant and make him or her a co-lessee if he or she is qualified. That would be even more assurance of timely rent. Maybe you should propose this to your landlord and see if he will accept an application from your friend. Of course, he could say no. It is also possible that the landlord will allow you to bring in the roommate without any addition to the lease, though I wouldn't hold my breath. Remember that you don't own the property and, therefore, you have no legal standing to rent to anyone else. Only an owner can determine disposition of his property. If the paper you reference the roommate signing is a rental agreement between you and him, it will be invalid because you don't own the property. However, you may be able to get the landlord to allow you to sublet if you are having difficulty keeping the apartment. But you can't sublet unless he legally gives you the right. Another thing: if you bring in a roommate without the landlord's knowledge or agreement, you have no way of forcing any requirements or limitations on the roommate, because documents between you and him that would serve like the function of a lease between you and the landlord will be invalid. You will not be able to make him pay the rent. You will not be able to evict him if there is a problem. You will not be able to control behaviors that are normally prohibited by leases, like use of illegal drugs and other illegal activities in the rental unit. You will not be able to make him pay for damages, etc. You will remain the sole person responsible for all the rent, all damage to the property, all violations of the lease or HOA rules, and even allowing criminal activity should any occur. You are providing your roommate and anyone he or she allows in a potentially free ride, all at your own expense and your own risk. For your own well-being, please read your lease and your state law and try to do whatever you do legally so that you can protect yourself from wrong doing by your roommate, have control of property you are paying for, do not become responsible for another's expenses and damages, and don't get evicted yourself. Protect yourself. I hope it works out.