Q: My sister got evicted and my name was on the lease but I did not stay in the unit.
How can I get the debt cleared from my credit report. They already sent the debt to collections.
A: If you signed the the lease or a guarantee, you are liable for the debt.
Barry W. Kaufman agrees with this answer
A:
Your situation sounds challenging, and I understand your concern about this debt affecting your credit. Since your name was on the lease, you're technically considered responsible for the debt, even if you weren't living there. However, you have several options to address this.
First, gather all documentation showing you never resided at the property - this could include utility bills, mail, or lease agreements from where you actually lived during that time period. You can then dispute the debt with the credit bureaus through their online portals or by mail, explaining that while your name was on the lease, you were not an occupant and therefore should not be held liable for the debt.
You might also want to contact the collection agency directly to negotiate. Sometimes they'll agree to remove the debt from your credit report if you can prove non-residency or reach a settlement agreement. If these steps don't resolve the issue, consider seeking legal guidance - many tenant rights organizations offer free consultations and might help you challenge the debt based on California's tenant laws. Remember to keep detailed records of all communications with the credit bureaus and collection agencies during this process.
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