●Free Tool
What Does Your Roommate Owe You?
Itemize the unpaid rent, utilities, and shared costs your roommate still owes you. We will total it up and show you your state's small claims limit so you know where you stand.
Roommate Kept The Refund
Your Roommate Kept Your Share of the Deposit
The deposit goes back as one payment, to whoever the landlord holds it for — not split between roommates. So once that money lands in your former roommate's account, your share is something they owe you, not something the landlord still owes. Itemize it below with anything else they left unpaid.
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my roommate won't give me my half of the deposit?
Landlords return a deposit as one payment to whichever tenant they have on file — it is not split between roommates automatically. Once that payment lands, your claim is against the roommate who received it, not the landlord. It is a civil debt: you can send a written demand for your share and, if it goes unpaid, pursue it in small claims court. Keep proof of what you paid toward the deposit, such as your share of the move-in payment and any message where the refund came up.
Can I take my roommate to small claims for unpaid rent?
Yes. Money your roommate owes you for their share of rent is a civil debt. If they will not pay, you can file in small claims court, which is designed for renters to recover modest amounts without a lawyer. A written demand letter is usually the first step before filing.
What if we never signed a roommate agreement?
You can still pursue what you are owed. Texts, Venmo or bank records, the lease showing both names, and a clear record of who paid what can all support an oral or implied agreement to split costs. A written agreement makes the case stronger, but it is not required to ask for money back.
How much can I sue my roommate for?
Each state sets a small claims limit. The calculator on this page shows your state's cap. Most roommate debts — unpaid rent, utilities, and shared expenses — fall well under that limit, so small claims is usually the right venue.
What should a demand letter to a roommate include?
It should state who owes what and why, itemize each amount, reference any agreement you had, and give a clear deadline to pay before you file in small claims. Keeping it factual and specific is more effective than an angry message.
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