Maine · Roommate money dispute

Roommate money dispute in Maine small claims

Ex-roommate owes you money? Recover it in small claims.

When a roommate leaves without paying their share of rent, utilities, or other agreed expenses — or when money was lent and not repaid — small claims court is an accessible option to recover. Your case turns on showing what was agreed, what was paid by each person, and what remains unpaid. A written roommate agreement or lease addendum is the strongest evidence, but texts, emails, and payment records can also establish the arrangement.

In Maine, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Court (a session of the District Court) and you can sue for up to $10,000 (effective January 1, 2026).

Good to know: Maine small claims court is not a separate court but a session of the District Court. Filings are made with the District Court clerk; small claims appeals are filed in the Superior Court.

Roommate money dispute: steps that matter

1. Gather your roommate agreement, lease, and any written communications about shared expenses, payments made, and what was owed.
2. Compile payment records showing what you paid and what the other person did or did not pay.
3. Send a written demand for the amount owed and keep proof you sent it.
4. File in the court for the county where the rental property is located or where the defendant currently lives.

Filing your Statement of Claim (Form SC-001) in Maine

1. Complete the Statement of Claim (SC-001). Fill out the Statement of Claim (SC-001) with a brief account of what happened, when, and what you want the court to do. Get the form free from any District Court clerk or the Forms page.
2. Serve the defendant. Before filing, serve the defendant by certified mail with restricted delivery, hand delivery with an Acknowledgment of Receipt, or sheriff service in the defendant's county.
3. File the claim and pay the fee. Once service is verified, file the Statement of Claim with the clerk within 20 days and pay the fee. If you cannot afford it, file an Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067).
4. Receive the hearing notice. Both parties get a Notice of Small Claims Hearing by mail with the date, time, and place. Be ready to present your case and evidence.

Filing fees: The fee to enter a small claims action is $55 (including a $15 mediation fee), set statewide by the Supreme Judicial Court (Administrative Order JB-05-26). Service costs are separate.

Deadline that applies to your roommate money dispute

A roommate money dispute is usually a contract or debt claim — unpaid shared expenses, a loan between roommates, or one roommate leaving the other holding the lease. The statute of limitations is typically the contract or debt period, starting from when the money was due or the last payment was made.

Written contract: 6 years (14 M.R.S. § 752)

Answering a lawsuit: No written answer is required; the defendant must be prepared to respond at the hearing.

Serving the defendant: You must serve the defendant before filing, by certified mail with restricted delivery, hand delivery with an Acknowledgment of Receipt, or the county sheriff. File proof of service, then file the claim with the clerk within 20 days of verified service.

Appeals: Either side may file a Notice of Appeal within 30 days. A plaintiff may appeal on a question of law only; a defendant on a question of law or fact. Appeals are filed in the Superior Court.

All Maine small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Small Claims Court (a session of the District Court) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your roommate money dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Maine small-claims forms for your roommate money dispute case

These forms are published by the Small Claims Court (a session of the District Court). Download and complete them before filing.

• Statement of Claim (SC-001): The initial document a plaintiff files to start a small claims case, stating the facts and the relief requested.
• Information Regarding Service in Small Claims Actions (SC-010): Official guidance on how to serve the defendant under M.R.S.C.P. 4 before filing.
• Notice of Appeal (SC-007): Used by either party to appeal a small claims decision to the Superior Court within 30 days.
• Application to Proceed without Payment of Fees (CV-067): Used to ask the court to waive the filing fee (file together with Financial Affidavit CV-191).

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Maine Judicial Branch: Small Claims. Last reviewed 2026-06-24.