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I am starting to receive collection calls from a collection agency for a bogus debt trumped up by my old apartment complex. When I moved out of my old apartment, the office claimed that I left it dirty (I did not) and wanted to charge me $200 for it. I told them that I had not left it dirty, and so I would not pay for it.
This was back in January. Now, collection calls have started. However, I am not looking to apply for credit cards or any sort of credit anytime soon. My credit score is still okay (700+) despite the collection.
So is there anyway to stop the collection calls?
I have NEVER made a late payment in my life, let alone have anything go to collection before so I am not sure how all this works.
How to stop collection calls
Hi Tyler,
It would have been better if you would have sued the apartment office during the disagreement. Collections on your credit report will affect your credit negatively. It may not have lowered your score much, but creditors won't like to see a collections on your report. If you had any kind of documentation that the apartment office was lying, you could've disputed this.
If you think that you can do that, you can go forward with disputing this item, and then can send a cease and desist letter to the collection agency through certified mail, requesting a return receipt.
Thanks,
Aaron
You can't sue someone for money that they think you owe them.
You could call inspection services, or contact the attorney general when a landlord makes such threats.
when a collection agency contacts you, you must send a DV letter. In this case the billing and the debt are not in question. you must ask for some kind of proof of damage.
I have actually taken pictures of apartments when I move out. You need to read up on tenant regulations. In Boston where I live, you don't have a right the apartment being clean just clear of debris. unfortunately, this means that even if every surface is antiseptic clean you can't leave one bag of neatly wrapped trash.
even though it may be late i would send a DV letter that specifically asks for proof of damage to the apartment. I would contact the attorney general. After you have sent these letters then send a C&D.