Missed rent and ruined laptops — a roommate survival guide
Missed rent and ruined laptops — a roommate survival guide
Living with roommates can save money — until someone skips rent, breaks your laptop, or ghosts on the Wi-Fi bill.
Whether you're still living together or not, here's how to ask for what you're owed (calmly, clearly, and legally) — from casual text to formal claim:
1. Start with a real conversation
A friendly nudge goes a long way. Try something simple:
“Hey, just wanted to check in on last month’s rent — any update?”
Keep receipts of any conversations in case things go south.
2. Put it in writing
If there’s no progress, follow up with a short written message. Summarize:
What’s owed
Why
When you expect payment
Example:
“Just following up — you still owe $600 for the February rent. I’d really appreciate if you could send it by next Friday.”
3. Send a formal notice (mise en demeure)
Still no response? Time to level up.
In Québec, you can send a mise en demeure — a formal demand letter that says:
What you're asking for
Why you're legally entitled to it
When you expect a reply (usually within 10 days)
It’s not aggressive — it’s smart. Courts expect this before you file a claim.
4. Go to small claims (if needed)
If talking didn’t work, you can file in small claims court (Division des petites créances) — not the Tribunal administratif du logement.
Here’s why:
The TAL handles landlord-tenant issues, not disputes between roommates.
So if your co-tenant owes you rent, broke your stuff, or skipped out on shared expenses — small claims is the place.
You can file online, and you don’t need a lawyer.
💬 Roommate conflicts are awkward. But getting repaid shouldn’t be a mystery.
Heard of Leya? It’s the easiest way to get legal help in Québec — book online, no phone tag, no pressure.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Living with roommates can save money — until someone skips rent, breaks your laptop, or ghosts on the Wi-Fi bill.
Whether you're still living together or not, here's how to ask for what you're owed (calmly, clearly, and legally) — from casual text to formal claim:
1. Start with a real conversation
A friendly nudge goes a long way. Try something simple:
“Hey, just wanted to check in on last month’s rent — any update?”
Keep receipts of any conversations in case things go south.
2. Put it in writing
If there’s no progress, follow up with a short written message. Summarize:
What’s owed
Why
When you expect payment
Example:
“Just following up — you still owe $600 for the February rent. I’d really appreciate if you could send it by next Friday.”
3. Send a formal notice (mise en demeure)
Still no response? Time to level up.
In Québec, you can send a mise en demeure — a formal demand letter that says:
What you're asking for
Why you're legally entitled to it
When you expect a reply (usually within 10 days)
It’s not aggressive — it’s smart. Courts expect this before you file a claim.
4. Go to small claims (if needed)
If talking didn’t work, you can file in small claims court (Division des petites créances) — not the Tribunal administratif du logement.
Here’s why:
The TAL handles landlord-tenant issues, not disputes between roommates.
So if your co-tenant owes you rent, broke your stuff, or skipped out on shared expenses — small claims is the place.
You can file online, and you don’t need a lawyer.
💬 Roommate conflicts are awkward. But getting repaid shouldn’t be a mystery.
Heard of Leya? It’s the easiest way to get legal help in Québec — book online, no phone tag, no pressure.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here.