Q: I'm unable to send a $10,000 tenant debt for collections b/c property manager refuses to disclose tenant information
I have a property in NC that was managed by a property manager. The previous tenant had to be evicted, and has a debt of $10,000. I'm no longer working with that property manager, and would like to send the debt for collections. The property manager refuses to disclose with me any personal information about the tenant (other than their name), claiming that stats/federal law prohibit that. As a result I'm unable to take actions to collect this debt. Does that sound legitimate for the property manager to withhold this information given that we're no longer in contract, and I'm unable to take any actions without it?
A: Generally speaking, most of your tenant's information should have been in the eviction file at the courthouse, which is public record. If your tenant was a business then their information should be on the NC secretary of states webpage. I would advise hiring an attorney in the county where the property was located to attempt collection proceedings. But be aware that NC has pretty weak civil collection methods and you stand a high chance of never seeing the money.
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