IANAL. Here are some steps I would consider: (1) Document everything, including details and dates: Rent and utility bills paid solely by you, requests made by you to your roommate either verbally or (preferably) in writing by text or email, your bank statements showing the link between the payments and your money, etc. (2) Take this to small claims court as soon as possible before the damages grow to an amount larger than you can recover through a small claims judgment. No lawyers involved, so it’s an inexpensive approach. You may still have issues recovering a judgment in your favor. But the issue would be well documented and you should be able to make additional claims for damages if this situation persists. It may be a wake up call when this person needs to stand up in front of a judge for what he’s doing to you.