Q: Can a debt be put on my credit report over 10 years later?
I had several rental properties go into foreclosure in 2007-2008. The water bills were not paid by the tenants and the water company put them in my personal name. They just now put this on my credit report. Is that legal?
A: The statute of limitations in North Carolina for breach of contract is three years. If the water company filed suit, you could raise the defense of statute of limitations and the case would be dismissed. Judgments are valid for ten years, but it doesn't sound like they obtained a judgment against you. The water company can still file suit and its up to you to raise the defense. Because of that defense and age, it is likely an uncollectible debt. I would dispute this with the credit agency for that reason.
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