VIC Builder Walked Off Job but Kept Money - What to Do?

[Kaliana]

My neighbour who is a builder had agreed to doing building works for me and out of the blue has now decided he doesn't want to do the job. Unfortunately I have already paid him $16K for materials. He said he would pay me back but weeks keep going by and he keeps finding excuses.

What is the best way for me to pursue this debt at least cost to me ( I am a single mother of 2 on low income)?

 

[Sophea]

Hi Kaliana,

The course of action I would suggest is firstly, writing a letter of demand for repayment of the money for materials.

This is the first step that a lawyer would take before commencing any litigation anyway and often it is successful in getting the debtor to pay up. Make sure you attach to the letter copies of any receipts you have of when you paid the money to him, or written agreements for the building work, and keep a copy of the letter.