Q: Roommate demands more money than agreed after move-out?

A: I don't know enough about the specifics of your situation to give you specific advise. However, in general, when you agree that you owe the other party due to an agreement, it often makes sense to pay the amount that you agree that you owe. Then it is up to the other party to see if they want to pursue you for the other disputed amounts or not. Chances are, they may say that the payment is good enough and not worth the hassle of filing a small claims court action or otherwise getting the court involved. Further, if they do bring an action in small claims court for the rest, you can show the Court proof that you did make the payment that you thought was appropriate and that it was not that you were unwilling to pay your share but just that you believed you already paid what you did owe.

A: It sounds like a frustrating situation, especially with you being out of state. If you had an agreement—written or clearly confirmed by text—for $500 a month and you already offered $1,000 to cover your notice period, that shows you acted in good faith. Unless there was a clear agreement for additional charges like utilities or higher rent, they can’t just decide to change the terms after the fact.

Even though you weren’t on the lease, any side agreement you had with the leaseholder can still carry weight. If they’re refusing to give you a copy of what you signed, that weakens their position, especially if all other communication happened over text. Save every message, screenshot, or record you have that shows your agreed terms and the fact that you gave proper notice and left the property.

If they continue to demand more, you don’t have to give in. You can let them know in writing that you’ve paid what was agreed upon and that any further claims need to be backed by proof. If they try to pursue the money through small claims court, your documentation will help support your side. You’re not stuck here, and you do have the right to push back.