It’s all about proof. Did someone say they paid the bills and didn’t? Unfortunately, this is more of a legal matter rather than being covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and your options may be limited.
- Find your local community legal centre and ask for advice.
- Always try and arrange a way to pay outstanding bills before your flatmate moves out as legally you do not have the right to use bond money to cover anything but rent arrears and damage to the house. The issue of non payment of bills is not covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. Any outstanding bills should be settled between you and your housemates before anyone moves out. The bond money can not be used to pay bills. Bond money is financial protection against the property - not household bills! If you are having a dispute about your bond you should access the Dispute Resolution Service process at the RTA.
- If you cannot reach an agreement before they take off, the other option is to sue through a Local Court to recover some money. This may be costly and a headache. Sometimes you might have to let it go, and write the debt off yourself to save the hassle of going to court.
- If you are having trouble with paying the bills don’t just ignore them and hope they will go away. Negotiate with the service provider. Bottom line is all they want is their money.