Q: Should I let my long ago failure-to-pay-rent debt run its 7.5 year course?
Father owned the lease. I co-signed(I think, I remember signing paperwork, trying to figure out now if it was a co-sign or what) He paid the rent, I did not. Debt was first opened April 1st 2012. I have never been contacted about this debt. I have had the same phone number since 2006, and changed my address every time needed at post office and dmv. It is my fathers debt and he owns up to it and is going to help me figure out the best way to deal with this. It is almost $2,500, so probably 3 months of rent. I don’t know if I should contact the collections agency and politely demand proof and verification of the debt, or leave it alone or what I should do, but it’s literally killing my otherwise pretty good credit. Thank you in advance for any help, it will be much appreciated.
A: IF this debt arises in Oregon and out of a residential landlord-tenant situation, and neither you nor your father have paid ANYTHING on it for at least a year, the statute of limitations has past and they no longer have a right to forcibly collect on it. You should demand that it be removed from your credit record as as actively due debt. If the collection agency has actively been trying to collect on it, you m
A: IF this debt arises in Oregon and out of a residential landlord-tenant situation, and neither you nor your father have paid ANYTHING on it for at least a year, the statute of limitations has past and they no longer have a right to forcibly collect on it. You should demand that it be removed from your credit record as as actively due debt. If the collection agency has actively been trying to collect on it, you may have claims against them for violation of debt collection laws. Consider reviewing it all with a local landlord-tenant attorney, or collections attorney, or a consumer Law attorney. Best of luck.
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