Adding a Roommate to Your Lease in Florida: What Renters Need to Know

Want to share your Florida apartment with a new roommate? Adding someone to your lease protects both of you and prevents misunderstandings with your landlord. Florida rental laws set out important steps for legally making this change, and getting it right helps you avoid surprise fees or eviction threats down the line. Here’s what every Florida renter should know about legally adding a roommate, plus links to official forms and government resources.

Understanding Roommates, Leases, and Florida Rental Law

In Florida, the original lease agreement controls who’s allowed to live in the rental unit. If you want another adult to move in, you usually must get written approval from your landlord before they can move into the property and become officially responsible for rent and other obligations. Florida landlords are not required by law to accept your request, but they cannot discriminate against your proposed roommate based on protected characteristics (such as race or disability) per federal and state fair housing rules.

• Florida's main landlord-tenant law: Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]
• Tribunal handling disputes: Eviction and lease disputes are heard in Florida County Courts^[2]
• Key department: The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Landlord/Tenant Law^[3]

When Do You Need Landlord Permission to Add a Roommate?

Your lease might mention "authorized occupants" or "guests." If your new roommate will live there regularly (not a short-term guest), you almost always need landlord written approval first. Failing to get approval can put you at risk of lease violations or even eviction in Florida.

How to Request Your Landlord’s Approval

• Review your lease for any existing "roommate policies" or occupancy restrictions.
• Gather your potential roommate’s information (like name, contact, and sometimes background check consent).
• Prepare a written request to your landlord with your roommate’s details, asking them to approve and add the person to the lease.
• Landlords may ask your roommate to formally apply (application and background screening), and can require a written agreement or addendum.

Official Forms You May Need

• Roommate Addendum: Florida does not supply a state-level official form for adding a roommate, but most property management companies use their own "Roommate (Lease) Addendum." Always use the version your landlord provides and be sure both you and your new roommate sign it. A lease addendum formally spells out that the roommate is fully responsible for rent and rules under the lease.
• Rental Application: Your landlord may require your roommate to complete a rental application. Some counties provide sample templates (for example, the Broward County Clerk's Landlord/Tenant division), but check with your landlord or management company for their required paperwork.
• Background Check Authorization: Often incorporated into the rental application. This form gives permission for your landlord to verify credit, eviction, and criminal records.

If your landlord refuses to add your roommate without a clear lease reason, you may contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for mediation or guidance.

Practical Example

If your lease with "Sunshine Apartments" only lists you, but you want your friend Alex to move in and share rent, you’ll email your landlord requesting Alex be added. The landlord sends Alex a rental application and, after approving, issues a "Roommate Addendum" for both of you to sign. Now Alex is a legal tenant—responsible for rent and protected by Florida rental laws.

What to Do if the Landlord Refuses

• Landlords can refuse roommate requests for valid business reasons (e.g., bad credit, criminal record, max occupancy) but not for discriminatory reasons.
• If you believe the refusal was discriminatory, you can contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations to file a fair housing complaint.
• If you add a roommate without approval, the landlord may give you a written notice of lease violation, which could start the eviction process if not corrected.

Key Steps for Legally Adding a Roommate in Florida

• Read your current lease agreement closely.
• Ask your landlord for their process and required forms.
• Complete forms and provide any information requested.
• Sign a new lease or addendum listing all tenants.
• Make sure everyone receives an updated, signed copy for their records.

Following these steps helps avoid disagreements and protects you under Florida law.

FAQ: Florida Roommate Lease Additions

1. Does my landlord have to let me add a roommate?
   No, Florida landlords can approve or deny roommate additions for valid reasons, but they must follow fair housing laws and be consistent with the terms of your lease.
2. What if my landlord wants to raise the rent after I add a roommate?
   If your lease allows, landlords may increase rent with proper notice, typically at renewal. Always get any changes in writing and check lease rules about occupancy and rent adjustments.
3. Can my landlord evict me for adding a roommate without approval?
   Yes, if your lease prohibits unauthorized occupants, your landlord can issue a written violation and, if not corrected, begin eviction proceedings.
4. Who is responsible for the rent if the roommate leaves?
   Unless your lease or addendum says otherwise, all tenants named on the lease are "jointly and severally liable," so you may be fully responsible if your roommate moves out without notice.
5. How can I prove my roommate is allowed if there’s a dispute?
   Keep a signed copy of your lease addendum or updated lease listing both your names. This is your official proof if you ever need to show a court or agency.

Conclusion: The Most Important Things to Remember

• Always get your landlord’s written approval before adding a roommate
• Use the official addendum or update your lease documents to reflect all current tenants
• Check Florida law, your lease, and know your rights if something goes wrong

By following the proper steps, you can protect yourself—and your new roommate—when sharing a rental home in Florida.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Landlord/Tenant Helpline: (800) 435-7352
• Florida Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for renters
• Florida Courts – Landlord/Tenant Dispute Self-Help
• Florida Commission on Human Relations – Fair Housing Complaints

---

1. Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Chapter 83, Part II)
2. Florida State Courts System – County Courts
3. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Landlord/Tenant Law

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations