Roommate Deposit Splits When Everyone Moves Out

The landlord returns one check; the roommates' real dispute is with each other.

The short version

Where the landlord pays jointly or the lease is joint, roommates must split among themselves. The evidence is internal: transfer records, the written agreement, and messages about the split. Small claims between roommates mirrors the deposit case itself.

What to do, in order

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Evidence and records to keep

['Write the split agreement before the move-out, not after.', 'Track who paid what share into the original deposit.', "Keep the landlord's return record with its date and payee.", 'Mediate before filing — relationships outlast deposits.', 'File between roommates only with the ledger assembled.']

Verify before you file

Deadlines, fees, and forms in this area are set by statute, court rule, or tribunal practice, and they change. Confirm the current requirement on the official your state self-help portal or with the clerk before relying on anything here. This page is general procedural information, not legal advice, and creates no attorney-client relationship.