Q: What can i do if my former apartment forwards a false debt to a collection company?
My former apartment claimed that we did not give notice before moving out, and forwarded a $1700 debt to a collections agency, though we did give notice. Aside from the fact that we did give notice (we got the form from the management office), it says NOTHING about a charge for not giving notice in our lease agreement. It doesn't even say the tenant has to be the one to give the notice, it says either the tenant OR the landlord can give notice. So 1. Can they do that? 2. If not, how can i deal with it ?
A:
I suggest you first send a certified letter, both to the apartment and to the debt collector. The letter should clearly deny the alleged debt and explain in detail why you don't owe the debt. Importantly, the letter should also request how they calculated the $1,700 and what clause in the lease permits them to charge this fee. Finally, the letter should also direct the debt collector to "cease and desist" and refrain from contacting you or attempting to collect this bogus debt.
If this account is on your credit report, you should also demand it be deleted. If the letter does not resolve this matter, you should contact a lawyer to consider your legal options.
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