I allowed a friend to live in my house whilst they got on there feet with a job etc,he said he would give me money for food and rent when he`s sorted.He has since got himself sorted moved in own property but has refused to give me what he promised,can i do anything legally,i did keep a rough copy of what the amount was but it was a very rough copy,on peice of cardboard !!!!
2006-11-21 05:14:00 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Its only 1500 pounds is it worth going to court ??
2006-11-21 05:35:21 · update #1
This unfortunately is just life. Do not loan anyone money or housing or food or anything else that you can't afford to lose, because you will be disappointed this way. Next time you get into a deal like this, have the other party sign an agreement (at least you will have it in writing). That won't get you paid, but it will make it easier to pursue should you choose. You will find that it is best to avoid these situations entirely.
Now, that said, you could send him a bill (do this on your computer - make it neat, and then print him a copy). Mail it to him and be specific what the charges are for (dates of the stay, etc). Give him a phone number to call to discuss it. Mail by registered mail requiring an acceptance signature. If he does not respond by phone, send another letter the next month (same rules). He may just get tired of it and pay up. If he doesn't pay up, you will have a little documentation to rest charges on. I don't know how much we are talking about here, but it may be better to just chalk it up to experience, and be smarter next time. I have had to do that a few times as lessons learned. Good luck with your problem - hey, at least you don't still have the moocher living with you.
2006-11-21 05:33:06 · answer #1 · answered by Doug R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't force her to pay without taking her to small claims court, and being that you don't have much written evidence, you may not get anything at all. As for being tight on money, you'll have to cut down on your spending until you can get caught up, borrowing it from someone else just makes another debt. When dealing with money or possessions, even with friends, ALWAYS have written contracts, and good or bad, document everything through the life of the contract. You will have an easier time in the future should you end up in court.
2016-03-29 04:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How much money are we talking about? If it's a substantial amount, you might (*MIGHT*) have a chance in small claims court. It will be a he-said he-said sort of deal, but if you have your facts straight the judge might be able to determine the facts of the situation and rule in your favor. Of course, that route is a huge headache, and may not be worth it depending on how much your ex-friend actually owes you.
If it's not a substantial amount of money, you might just have to chalk it up to a tough lesson learned: Never lend friends money. And if you do, get the repayment terms in writing and signed by the both of you.
Good luck.
2006-11-21 05:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by Granny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry that seems to be common experience with relatives and friends. There is a lesson for you to learn from this, and for now it may be best to forgive and forget. Consider it a good turn done for a friend, even if he now turns into an enemy. If he ever decides to pay you in the future accept it gratefully. That however will have to be his decision. Only lend money that you can afford to loose, and if you do someone a favor as you did for your friend, consider it a good deed, that may be returned, by him or others to you at some time of your own need. God bless you
2006-11-21 05:38:26 · answer #4 · answered by pooterilgatto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Probably only chance you have is taking him through the small claims court, a verbal contract is still binding for tenants / landlords but obviously almost impossible to prove.
Suggest you talk to a solicitor (some will provide a free 15 minute consultation), or you could try a citizens advice centre.
The small claims process is not expensive and if he receives a summons it may well be enough to make him pay up.
2006-11-21 05:26:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Phone the Judge Judy show - sue this "blood sucker" and don't ever call him a "friend" again. Friends don't treat their friends that way. He has forgotten how you helped him out, his words of repayment. I'm glad you kept the "piece of cardboard". That is excellent, don't make a computer copy - then all Judges think you have "just made it up" - use the one you have as "evidence" and Don't write over it. On a separate ppiecece of paper, make the notes reflex dates,events,(ie food,pocket money,gas money) and don't forget the "hydro/gas/food/phone/cable/)bills, and show a portion that is His agreement. Now send him a Registered Letter, (retain copy) - in that letter, give him ONE last opportunity to Fulfil his verbal commitment to you. Give him 15-days in the letter, and tell him your next step is to seek damages in Landlord/Tenant Court. (not small claims,too hard to win on this)Do as I have suggested, if that fails, come back to Yahoo!Answers and I will explain how to take the next step. Good Luck.
2006-11-21 05:25:45 · answer #6 · answered by peaches 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really but Judge Judy sometimes awards people like you money going on the fact that there was a verbal agreement. Maybe you could try small claims court? Probably once he gets a letter through he'll pay up anyway. Some friend....
2006-11-21 05:18:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
probably not much, depending on the amount you might consider an attorney or just chalk it up to a lesson learned. one thing for sure this 'friend' of your is no friend and you can count on the fact that in the next year he will have problems again and come to you for help. keep the cardboard sign, give it to him then and say 'no way am i helping you again' and close the door. he isn't a friend he's a user and the only way he can use you is if you let him.
2006-11-21 05:19:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
One valuable lesson here, don't do business with friends. I learnt this a few years ago when I let my step-brother rent a room at my house, he thought that he could have a free ride. I ended up throwing the little sponger out, I haven't got any money back, although I get a lot of satisfaction out of the fact that he now lives mainly in hostels, nine years after it happened.
2006-11-21 05:26:28 · answer #9 · answered by Hendo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Despite what people say there is no 'small claims court' in the UK, you will have to go to your local county court and sue them there. If you've never done it before ask one of the court clerks to help you out, they're usually really helpfull and friendly - certainly were when i did it.
Failing that give me his address, for 10% i'll have the money within a week - guaranteed ;)
2006-11-21 05:26:03 · answer #10 · answered by thecoldvoiceofreason 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋