Can You Sue a Roommate for Not Paying Utilities?
Taking a roommate to court for any type of conflict is rarely an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary. If a former roommate has left you to pay his share of the bills, you may find yourself considering taking him to small claims court to recoup the money owed to you. Although you can sue him, it is smart to weigh the pros and cons before filing a lawsuit against a former roommate and friend.
Other People Are Reading
-
Cost of Filing Suit
-
The fees to file a claim in small claims court varies from state to state. The fees can also vary based on the amount of damages you are suing for. In Michigan, for example, it costs $25 to file claims for amounts up to $500, but goes up to $65 to file claims for amounts between $1,750 and $3,000. You only want to go to the extreme of taking your ex-roomie to court if the amount he owes you is significant when compared to the filing fees. If he owes you less than $200, you may want to hold off on that lawsuit.
Time
-
Every court calendar is different. In some districts, your case may not come in front of a judge as quickly as you were hoping. This is important to be aware of before filing suit, especially for small amounts, or if you and your former roommate are on somewhat cordial terms. Keep in mind that you will likely have to take time off from work to appear in court. Make sure that your desire to sue is going to be worth your time.
-
Alternative Resolutions
-
Taking a roommate to court may make it clear how serious you are about getting your money back, but consider the alternative ways he can pay off what he owes. Offer him a payment plan that is reasonable, such as paying you $20 every other week until the debt is paid off. Allowing him to suggest an amount and frequency for repayments to you will increase the likelihood of him staying consistent with them.
Utility Companies
-
You roommate may have left you in a financial lurch by not paying his portion of the bills. If you find yourself needing an extension on the due date for any of your utility bills, let the companies know of your situation and any pending lawsuit. They will likely give you some leeway, especially if you have been on time with your previous bill payments.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
