Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Cohabitation Agreement
"I need a cohabitation agreement outlining financial responsibilities, property division, and debt management for a couple living together for 5 years, with a clause for dispute resolution and a 6-month notice period for termination."
What is a Cohabitation Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement lays out clear terms between unmarried people sharing a living space in Saudi Arabia, setting boundaries that align with both Sharia law and local customs. It covers practical matters like rent sharing, utility payments, and property ownership while maintaining cultural sensitivity and legal compliance.
While less common in the Kingdom due to traditional living arrangements, these agreements help prevent disputes among non-related professional expatriates, students, or family members sharing housing. The document establishes financial responsibilities and personal boundaries without creating any implications that could conflict with Islamic principles or Saudi social norms.
When should you use a Cohabitation Agreement?
Use a Cohabitation Agreement when non-related individuals plan to share living space in Saudi Arabia, particularly among expatriate professionals or international students. It's essential to put this agreement in place before moving in together, as it prevents misunderstandings about financial obligations and living arrangements while respecting local laws and customs.
The agreement becomes especially important when sharing expensive properties, combining household items, or splitting utility costs. It provides clear documentation for visa purposes, housing contracts, and dispute resolution. Many expatriate compounds and university housing offices now recommend these agreements to protect all parties' interests within Saudi legal frameworks.
What are the different types of Cohabitation Agreement?
- Basic Shared Housing Agreement: Covers fundamental aspects like rent division, utility payments, and common area usage - ideal for professional expatriates sharing accommodation
- Student Housing Cohabitation Agreement: Tailored for international students with specific terms about academic year housing, study spaces, and temporary absences
- Extended Family Living Agreement: Structured for non-immediate family members sharing a residence, addressing cultural sensitivities and family-specific arrangements
- Corporate Housing Agreement: Designed for business professionals sharing company-provided accommodation, including specific terms about corporate property and liability
Who should typically use a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Expatriate Professionals: Primary users who share housing in compounds or apartment buildings, particularly those working in sectors like healthcare, education, or engineering
- International Students: Those studying at Saudi universities who share accommodation with fellow students while maintaining cultural compliance
- Legal Advisors: Draft and review agreements to ensure alignment with Saudi housing regulations and Sharia principles
- Property Managers: Reference these agreements when managing shared housing arrangements in residential compounds
- Housing Officers: University or corporate staff who oversee accommodation arrangements for their institutions
How do you write a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Personal Details: Gather full legal names, contact information, and residency status of all occupants
- Property Information: Document the complete address, lease terms, and any existing rental agreements
- Financial Arrangements: Detail rent shares, utility splits, and payment schedules aligned with Saudi banking practices
- House Rules: List specific arrangements for shared spaces, guests, and quiet hours that respect local customs
- Duration Terms: Specify agreement length, notice periods, and exit procedures
- Documentation: Collect copies of IDs, visas, and any required permits for shared housing
What should be included in a Cohabitation Agreement?
- Basic Information: Names, contact details, and legal status of all parties involved in the shared living arrangement
- Financial Terms: Clear breakdown of rent division, utility payments, and shared expense arrangements
- Property Details: Complete address and description of shared and private spaces within the residence
- Duration Clause: Specific start and end dates, along with notice requirements for termination
- Cultural Compliance: Statement affirming adherence to Saudi customs and Islamic principles
- Dispute Resolution: Process for handling disagreements within Saudi legal frameworks
- Signatures: Space for all parties' signatures with dates and witness provisions
What's the difference between a Cohabitation Agreement and an Access Agreement?
A Cohabitation Agreement differs significantly from an Rental Agreement in several key aspects, though both deal with living arrangements in Saudi Arabia. While a Rental Agreement focuses solely on the landlord-tenant relationship, a Cohabitation Agreement governs the relationship between occupants sharing the same living space.
- Scope of Coverage: Cohabitation Agreements address internal arrangements between occupants, including shared expenses, responsibilities, and house rules, while Rental Agreements only cover property usage rights and tenant obligations
- Parties Involved: Cohabitation Agreements are between co-occupants, whereas Rental Agreements are between property owners and tenants
- Legal Framework: Rental Agreements follow strict Saudi property laws and require official registration, while Cohabitation Agreements serve more as private arrangements between occupants
- Duration Flexibility: Cohabitation Agreements can be more flexible in terms and modifications, unlike Rental Agreements which typically have fixed terms and formal renewal processes
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.