Vermont · Roommate money dispute

Roommate money dispute in Vermont 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 Vermont, small-claims cases are heard in the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (small claims) and you can sue for up to $10,000 (with a $5,000 cap for consumer-credit debt or medical debt).

Good to know: Vermont small claims is not a separate court but a procedure in the Civil Division of the Superior Court. File in the county where you or the defendant lives. Lawyers are allowed, but the process is built for self-represented litigants.

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 Small Claims Complaint (Form 100-00257) in Vermont

1. Complete the Small Claims Complaint. Fill out the Small Claims Complaint (form 100-00257), naming the defendant and stating the amount and basis of your claim.
2. File and pay the fee. File with the Civil Division of the Superior Court in the county where you or the defendant lives, and pay the filing fee.
3. Receive the signed summons. The court returns a signed Summons with your complaint and the docket number.
4. Serve the defendant by mail. Within 7 days of receiving the signed summons, mail the summons and complaint to the defendant by first-class mail.
5. Arrange sheriff service if no answer. If the defendant does not answer within 30 days, have a sheriff or constable serve the documents.

Filing fees: The filing fee is $65 for claims of $1,000 or less and $90 for claims over $1,000, set by statute statewide (not county-set).

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 (12 V.S.A. § 511)

Answering a lawsuit: 30 days.

Serving the defendant: After the court returns the signed summons, you serve the defendant by first-class mail within 7 days; if no answer is filed within 30 days, you must have a sheriff or constable serve the documents.

Appeals: Either party may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of judgment by filing a Notice of Appeal with a $105 fee (Vermont Rule of Small Claims Procedure 10). The appeal is decided on the record, not retried.

All Vermont small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (small claims) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your roommate money dispute claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Vermont small-claims forms for your roommate money dispute case

These forms are published by the Vermont Superior Court, Civil Division (small claims). Download and complete them before filing.

• Small Claims Information and Instructions for Plaintiff and Small Claims Complaint (100-00257): The initial complaint form a plaintiff files to start a small claims case.
• Small Claims Answer (100-00126): Form the defendant uses to answer the complaint and assert any counterclaim.
• Sheriff's Return of Service (100-00261): Proof-of-service form used when a sheriff or constable serves the defendant.
• A Guide to Small Claims Proceedings in Vermont (100-00509): Official plain-language guide to the small claims process for self-represented parties.

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: Vermont Judiciary: Suing and Being Sued (Small Claims). Last reviewed 2026-06-24.