How long do you have to pay back a friend?
Guilty
The short answer
A week for small amounts, by the next payday for bigger ones. Saying "I got you" does not count as paying.
The ruling
From the public record. Names are replaced with roles.
Small claims division
Case no.PC-2026-00369
The friend who is owed $14 v. The friend who owes it
Filed 10/06/2026
- Plaintiff
- The friend who is owed $14
- Defendant
- The friend who owes it
Statement of claim
He said he would Venmo me $14 for the pizza. That was in March. I reminded him twice and both times he said I got you.
Charge
Outstanding debt of $14 for pizza since March, with two statements of I got you
Judgment
Guilty
Friend found guilty of a pizza debt from March
Sentence
The defendant will send $14 today, plus $6 for the delay, and buy the next pizza.
How the court usually rules on this
The court applies a short clock to small debts among friends because they are easy to pay and easy to forget. It does not accept repeated promises as partial payment. The sentence is always payment in full, sometimes with a small addition for the delay.
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