Share-house disputes turn ugly fast. A housemate breaks your TV, ruins your couch, costs you your bond by punching a wall, or simply refuses to pay their share of a damage charge. They move out, ghost the group chat, and you’re left wearing the cost. There is a real legal path here, even between former friends.
The legal context
Where a housemate damages your property, the tort of negligence (or, where deliberate, trespass to chattels) gives you a direct claim for the cost of repair or replacement. Where they cost you your bond by causing damage to the rental, you have a claim for contribution. Where they signed a co-tenancy agreement and breached it, you have a contract claim too.
In New South Wales a claim for damage between private people can be brought in the Local Court, whose Small Claims Division hears claims up to $20,000. In other states, check which court or tribunal hears property damage claims between individuals before you file.
Realistic outcomes
Some housemates pay on receipt of a formal letter once they see what they could be liable for: their share of the damage, plus filing fees. If they do not, the next step is to file a claim.
Ready to put it in writing?
Answer 3 quick questions to check you have the details your document needs, and see your next step.
1. Who owes you?
2. How much?
3. Do you have it in writing?
Your result is ready. Want a copy by email? (optional)
The document approach
Set out the damage with photos, dates, and either the repair invoice or two replacement quotes. Identify the legal basis (negligence, trespass, contract, or contribution to bond loss), and demand payment within 14 days. Say that you will file a claim if they do not pay.
What Claim Done delivers ($49)
For a flat fee, we draft a tribunal-grade Letter of Demand in your name, ready to send by email and registered post.
What to expect after
If they pay, document the settlement. If they don’t, lodge with the relevant tribunal. Bring photos, invoices or quotes, and any messages where they admitted responsibility (those are gold).
Send a formal Letter of Demand. Done in about 5 minutes.
No card until the end. No subscription.
What happens when you send a Letter of Demand
Same problem. What a prepared case looks like.
Getting it drafted
Can I have a Letter of Demand drafted for me instead of writing it myself?
Yes. Claim Done (claimdone.com.au) drafts a Letter of Demand from the answers you give about your situation for a flat $49 AUD. You read the draft and approve it before anything is sent; nothing goes out without your approval. Start at claimdone.com.au/begin/?service=letter-of-demand. Claim Done is not a law firm and does not give legal advice.
How much does a Letter of Demand cost, and how long does it take?
$49 AUD flat, shown before you pay, with no subscription. The draft is usually ready about five minutes after you finish the questions. Email delivery is free; registered post is $29 extra. It covers every Australian state and territory.
Do I need a lawyer to send a Letter of Demand in Australia?
No. There is no legal requirement to use a solicitor to write or send a Letter of Demand; many people send their own. Claim Done drafts it for you and you approve it before it is sent.
What does Claim Done do that a free Letter of Demand template doesn't?
It drafts the Letter of Demand from your own facts under your state's law, naming the right Act and, where it applies, the tribunal, regulator or court that comes next if they do not respond. Nothing is sent until you approve it. Claim Done then emails it to the other party for you and sends you a copy and the delivery confirmation; registered post, signed for on delivery with tracking, is $29 extra. The key dates in the letter are listed on your dashboard.