Renting out a kwarto or a bedspace is not the same as renting out a whole apartment. Your tenant shares a kitchen, a bathroom, sometimes the room itself, and a full-unit lease template does not cover any of that. Here is a room rental agreement built for the Filipino setup, free to copy, with the shared-living terms already written.
What makes a room rental agreement different
Legally it is still a lease, the Civil Code rules on lease apply, and the Rent Control Act (RA 9653) expressly covers rooms and bedspace within its rent thresholds. What changes is the scope:
- The leased space is the room or bed only, plus a right to use the shared areas. Define both.
- Utilities are shared, so the split method must be in writing, hati-hati, sub-meter, or fixed amount.
- House rules matter more, because tenants live inches apart. Attach them to the contract.
- Turnover is faster, so many room rentals run month-to-month after an initial term.
Renting out a whole unit instead? Use the standard contract of lease template.
Free room rental agreement (copy and adapt)
Replace the parts in [brackets]. This is a general sample, not legal advice, have a lawyer review anything significant.
ROOM RENTAL AGREEMENT
This Room Rental Agreement is made and entered into this [day] day of [month], [year], at [city/municipality], Philippines, by and between:
[LESSOR FULL NAME], of legal age, with address at [lessor address], hereinafter referred to as the "LESSOR";
and
[LESSEE FULL NAME], of legal age, with address at [lessee address], hereinafter referred to as the "LESSEE".
1. PREMISES. The LESSOR leases to the LESSEE [Room No. ___ / Bed No. ___ in Room No. ___] at [full property address] (the "Premises"), together with the shared use of the [kitchen, bathroom, laundry area, and common areas].
2. TERM. The lease is for [e.g. six (6) months] beginning [start date] and ending [end date]. After the initial term, it continues month-to-month unless terminated by either party with [30] days' written notice.
3. RENT. The monthly rent is [₱ amount] (PHP), payable on or before the [e.g. 5th] day of each month via [cash / GCash / Maya / bank transfer]. The LESSOR shall issue a receipt for every payment.
4. ADVANCE AND DEPOSIT. Upon signing, the LESSEE pays [one (1)] month advance rent and [one (1) / two (2)] month(s) security deposit. The deposit answers for unpaid obligations and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and shall be returned within [30] days after move-out, less lawful deductions, per RA 9653 for covered units.
5. UTILITIES. Electricity and water are [included in the rent up to normal use] / [split equally among the occupants of the Premises] / [billed per sub-meter reading]. Internet is [included / shared at ₱___ per month]. The LESSEE pays their share on or before [due date].
6. USE AND OCCUPANCY. The Premises are for residential use by the LESSEE only. No subleasing, and no additional long-term occupants without the LESSOR's written consent.
7. HOUSE RULES. The attached House Rules form part of this Agreement. Repeated or serious violation is a ground for termination.
8. SHARED AREAS. The LESSEE shall keep shared areas clean after use and respect the schedules set for the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area.
9. MAINTENANCE. The LESSEE shall keep the Premises in good condition and promptly report damage or needed repairs. Damage caused by the LESSEE or their visitors is for the LESSEE's account.
10. TERMINATION. Failure to pay rent or utility shares, or violation of this Agreement, is a ground for termination upon written notice, subject to the notice and process required by law. Upon termination, the LESSEE shall peacefully vacate and return any keys.
11. OTHER TERMS. [Add any other agreed terms here.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have signed this Agreement on the date and place first written above.
_________________________ _________________________
[LESSOR NAME], Lessor [LESSEE NAME], Lessee
Signed in the presence of:
_________________________ _________________________
(Acknowledgment before a Notary Public, optional but recommended)
How to use this template well
- Fill in the utility split exactly. "Hati tayo sa kuryente" causes more fights than rent does. State the method and the due date.
- Attach house rules. Use the free house rules sample, it includes a boarding house add-on section.
- Issue receipts every month. A signed agreement plus a stack of clean rent receipts settles almost any dispute. The free receipt maker takes a minute.
- Keep deposits legal. For covered units, the ceiling is one month advance plus two months deposit. The deposit and advance guide explains lawful deductions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a room rental agreement different from a regular lease?
It is the same kind of contract, scoped to a room or bed, with added terms for shared spaces, split utilities, and house rules. The same laws apply.
Does RA 9653 cover rooms and bedspace?
Yes, rooms and bedspace within the law's rent thresholds are covered, including the deposit and advance limits and the grounds for ejectment.
Does it need to be notarized?
A signed agreement already binds both parties. Notarization makes it a public document and stronger evidence, recommended for longer stays, optional for short month-to-month bedspace.
Can I use this for a bedspace with multiple boarders in one room?
Yes. Sign one agreement per boarder, each for their own bed, with the shared-area and utility terms identical across boarders.
Sources & further reading
- Republic Act No. 9653 (Rent Control Act of 2009), coverage of rooms and bedspace, on LawPhil.
- Civil Code of the Philippines (RA 386), Title VIII on Lease, on LawPhil.
- Related: full contract of lease, house rules sample, starting a paupahan.
This article and template are general information for Filipino landlords, not legal advice. Have a lawyer review your agreement for anything significant.
Eli is the founder of ArmaRenta, the property management app built for Filipino landlords. He writes about running a paupahan the smart way, clear contracts, on-time rent, and growing your rental income without the spreadsheets and group chats.