From Roommates to Contracts: Navigating Adulting with Legal Awareness

Welcome to adulthood, where “signing things” is suddenly a regular part of life. Lease agreements, employment contracts, business licenses, even that gym membership you swore you’d use—all come with fine print that can trip you up if you’re not paying attention.

Whether you're moving in with roommates, starting a side hustle, or negotiating your first big job offer, understanding the legal side of things can save you from major headaches down the road. Let’s break it down.

Roommates, Leases, and Avoiding a Living Nightmare

Moving in with a roommate? Congratulations! You’re about to experience the joys (and occasional annoyances) of shared living. Before you commit, though, consider the legal side of things.

The Roommate Agreement: Not Just for Type-A Overachievers

Sure, it might feel weird drafting a formal agreement with your best friend, but a roommate contract can be a lifesaver when things go sideways. This document outlines:

✅ Rent & Utilities: Who pays what, and when?
✅ Household Responsibilities: Chores, groceries, and who’s in charge of restocking toilet paper.
✅ Guests & Noise Levels: What’s the policy on overnight visitors and impromptu parties?
✅ Breaking the Lease: What happens if someone moves out early?

Having these details in writing can prevent awkward (or stressful) disputes later on.

Reading the Lease Like a Pro (or at Least Like Someone Who’s Not About to Get Screwed)

Leases are legally binding, and not all landlords are saints. Before signing:

🔹 Check for hidden fees. Is there a late payment penalty? An “administrative charge” that no one can explain?
🔹 Understand the renewal terms. Can your landlord jack up the rent without notice?
🔹 Clarify subletting rules. Thinking about traveling for a few months? Make sure you’re allowed to sublet first.

If something seems sketchy, get legal advice before you sign. You’ll thank yourself later.

Contracts: Read Before You Regret

From your first job offer to that freelance gig you picked up on the side, contracts are everywhere. But here’s the secret they don’t tell you: most contracts are negotiable.

The Job Offer: Don’t Just Say “Yes”

That first job offer feels exciting, but before you accept:

💼 Check the fine print. Are there non-compete clauses that could limit your future career moves?
💼 Understand your benefits. Health insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off—get clear on what’s included.
💼 Look out for at-will employment. If they can fire you anytime without cause, you might want some extra job security written in.

If something feels off, ask questions. A lawyer can help translate corporate jargon into real-world implications.

Freelancing or Side Hustling? Get It in Writing.

If you’re doing freelance work, don’t just rely on a handshake agreement. A proper contract should spell out:

📌 Payment terms: How much, when, and what happens if they ghost you?
📌 Scope of work: Clear deliverables = fewer last-minute requests.
📌 Ownership rights: Are you handing over full rights to your work, or just licensing it?

Protect your time, energy, and income by ensuring you have a solid contract in place.

Starting a Small Business? Protect Yourself First.

So you’re launching that Etsy shop, social media consulting biz, or underground artisanal donut empire? Amazing. But before you make it official, here’s what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Business Structure

The legal setup of your business impacts everything from taxes to personal liability. The most common options are:

🔹 Sole Proprietorship: Easiest to set up, but you’re personally liable for everything.
🔹 LLC (Limited Liability Company): Protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.
🔹 S-Corp or C-Corp: More complex but great for scaling and bringing on investors.

For most side hustlers, an LLC is a safe bet—but talk to a lawyer to confirm what’s best for you.

Get It in Writing (Again!)

If you’re going into business with a partner, a partnership agreement is non-negotiable. It should cover:

✅ Roles & Responsibilities – Who does what?
✅ Equity & Profit Splitting – How are earnings divided?
✅ Exit Plan – What happens if one of you wants out?

Skipping this step could mean legal chaos later on.

When to Get Legal Advice (AKA, When to Call Cate)

Not every legal issue requires hiring a high-powered attorney, but there are times when professional advice can save you money, stress, and potential legal disasters.

💡 Before Signing Anything Big: Leases, job contracts, partnership agreements—get a second set of eyes.
💡 When Dealing with a Dispute: If your landlord is withholding your security deposit or a client refuses to pay, legal help can make a difference.
💡 If You’re Starting a Business: Setting up the right legal foundation now prevents major issues down the road.

The good news? Legal help doesn’t have to be intimidating (or wildly expensive). Cate exists to provide practical, no-nonsense legal advice for life’s everyday moments.

Final Thoughts: Adulting is Easier When You Know Your Rights

Remember, growing up comes with a lot of contracts, agreements, and fine print—but you don’t have to go in blind. Understanding your rights, knowing when to ask questions, and seeking legal advice when needed can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your future.

And if you ever find yourself staring at a contract, wondering, “Is this sketchy?”—you know who to call. Cate’s got your back.

Need help with a lease, contract, or legal question? Send it to Cate before you sign. Your future self will thank you. 🚀