How to Get Rid of a Roommate

Living with a roommate can be a great way to split rent, share responsibilities, and even build friendships. But not every roommate situation works out. Whether it’s missed rent payments, late-night guests, disagreements over cleaning routines, or ongoing tension, it can be tough to feel at home when things are off-balance. 

If your current living arrangement with a roommate is more stressful than supportive, know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide that can help you navigate a difficult roommate situation with confidence and minimal conflict. 

Start with a conversation

The first step, before you even think about leases or legalities, is to try and talk things out.

Living with a roommate can be hard, and miscommunication is often at the heart of any tension you might have. Maybe the other person didn’t realize their late-night gaming was keeping you awake, or they assumed it was fine to have friends over every weekend and late into the night. This could be the chance to have a calm and honest conversation to put everything in perspective. 

Pick a time when neither of you is upset, and focus on using language that shares how the situation is affecting you. Framing your concerns around your own experiences (think: “I feel overwhelmed when the kitchen’s a mess,” instead of “You never clean up after yourself”) can keep things from getting defensive. And don’t forget to listen as well. Your roommate may very well have their own struggles or misunderstandings about the situation. 

Sometimes, just clearing the air is enough to reset your living dynamic. But if the same issues keep coming up, it might be time to take things a step further. 

Put it in writing

If you haven’t already, creating a roommate agreement can make a big difference. It doesn’t have to be overly formal or legally binding, just something clear, practical, and easy to follow. Start by writing down what each person is responsible for. A simple list can help clarify expectations and serve as a useful reference point if issues arise. You might include things like:

• Rent – how much each person pays and when it’s due
• Utilities – who pays for what and how costs are split
• Cleaning duties – a schedule or general expectations
• Quiet hours – agreed-upon times for rest or work
• Guest policies – rules around overnight visitors or gatherings

Even if you’ve been living together for a while, it’s never too late to introduce a written agreement. Framing it as a tool to protect the peace and make sure everything is fair, rather than to assign blame, can help keep the conversation cooperative and non-confrontational.

Document the problem

When conversations and agreements don’t solve the issue, it’s time to start keeping a record. This doesn’t mean secretly collecting “evidence” of wrongdoing, but rather simply writing down what’s happening. Missed rent payments, damage to the apartment, repeated arguments or violations of visitor agreements are all examples of events you should log, as well as any communication regarding them. Text messages and emails are especially helpful. 

This kind of documentation can be important if you ever need to get your landlord involved, for example, if a lease violation occurs.  It also shows that you’ve made a real effort to resolve things in a calm and respectful manner. 

Talk to your landlord

If your roommate is consistently violating the lease, such as through unpaid rent, unauthorized guests, or damage to the property, it’s time to talk to your landlord. 

In some cases, your landlord might offer solutions like early lease termination, subleasing options, or allowing one of you to move out while the other stays. Either way, it’s worth a conversation. 

Understand your legal obligations

Before making any major decisions, it’s important that you understand both your rights and those of your roommate. The nature of your lease agreement plays a significant role in what actions you can (or cannot) take.

If your roommate is listed on the lease alongside you, you generally don’t have the legal authority to force them out on your own. In such cases, both of you share equal tenancy rights, which means resolving conflicts can require mediation or formal legal steps. In most leases, all roommates are equally responsible, so a landlord typically can’t evict one person without affecting everyone on the lease. However, in rare cases,  like separate rental agreements or room-by-room leases, a landlord may be able to pursue eviction for just one tenant based on their specific violation.

 If your roommate is violating the terms of the lease, such as causing property damage, failing to pay rent, or engaging in disruptive behavior, your landlord may have grounds to initiate an official eviction process with proper notice. However, in most joint leases, this action could affect all tenants, not just the person causing the issue. Be prepared to provide documentation and follow legal procedures if the situation escalates.

On the other hand, if your roommate is subletting from you and you're the primary leaseholder, you might have more flexibility with the situation. Even so, you’ll want to consult your original lease agreement and check your local tenant laws before taking action. These rules can vary widely depending on your location, and staying informed will help you avoid unintended legal complications.

Think about mediation

Some cities or states offer renter mediation services or resources that can help you explore your options without going to court. This might be a helpful step, as it allows a neutral third party to help both roommates talk through the conflict and find a solution. 

When it’s time to move out

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the situation doesn’t improve, and your roommate won’t leave. If that’s the case, it might be time for you to consider moving on. 

Yes, it can feel unfair to be the one who moves out. But your peace of mind is worth protecting. Talk to your landlord about the process of moving out , whether you are breaking your lease or need to help find a replacement tenant. Depending on the terms, you may be able to leave without a penalty if your roommate is staying or a qualified replacement is found for the remaining lease term.

If you’re ready for a fresh start, we’ve got you covered — find your next rental or explore rooms for rent and take the first step toward your new beginning.

Prevent future roommate headaches

After you’ve navigated a tough situation with a roommate, the last thing you’ll want is a repeat. You want to find a roommate that suits your lifestyle, so take the time to set yourself up for a better experience next time by: 

• Vetting potential roommates by asking questions about lifestyle, habits, and values. 

• Create a roommate agreement early, even if everything seems smooth at first.
• Have regular check-ins, so small annoyances don’t build into bigger problems.

In the end, living with someone isn’t always easy, but with the right approach, you can take back control of your space and your peace of mind. Whether you resolve the issue or start a new chapter, you deserve a home that feels like home.