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.
Small-claims tribunals — VCAT, NCAT, QCAT, or the Magistrates Court small claims division — are the right forum. Most housemate matters fall well within their jurisdictional limits.
Realistic outcomes
Many housemates pay up on receipt of a formal letter because they don’t realise how exposed they are — their share of the damage, plus filing fees, plus the credit-file consequences of an unpaid judgment. Where they refuse, default judgments are common because young defendants often don’t engage.
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. Warn of tribunal action and the credit-file consequences.
What Claim Done delivers ($79)
For a flat $79 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).