What is the name of your state? VA/NJ
I had posted this before with no reply, but now there is new info.
I have been in a battle for almost 6 months now about a lease I termed a month early. At the time I moved out, I was looking for money back based on agreements made (which I now have in writing) and a phone call stating that a new tenant was to move in a few days after I moved out. I figured I would have to wait about 30 days to receive my check. Around 30 days later I received a statement saying that I owed almost $1000. I sent a letter asking for clarification, and stating my agreement. Another 30 days went by, and as soon as I had sent out a second follow-up letter, I received a notice from a collection agency.
My next letter to the property went out a few days later, where I asked them to hold off with the collection agency until we could reach an agreement on the balance. I got a phone call from the property a few days later giving me the option to pay a new balance based on such-and-such changes. I asked them to put it in writing and sent it to me. The following week, I received a call from the collection agent, who gave me 15 minutes to pay the original, higher, and disputed balance IN FULL, or he would immediately report it to the legal department for a judgement. I was able to get in touch with someone from the property and they called right away to tell the collection agent to hold off. I called to confirm it, and the collection agents I left messages with never returned the call.
Now I have a BRAND NEW balance, based on the evidence of our “agreement”, which the property NOW admits to having made, and although lower (about $500 now), I still do not agree with it. The property cc’d the collection agent. I foresee having to face the same threats once again. Where is the line drawn? How can I get this cleared up without having to fend off these voracious collection agents????
Since then I have found where I paid a pet deposit of $300, which, although not written well, states that it is refundable. I wrote back asking that they apply this to my balance, and now they say it is not refundable, and also that the monthly pet rent I paid didn't apply to damages either, for which I am being charged almost $300. They once again sent this response to the collection agency, who will no doubt be calling again soon. I am ready to get a lawyer. How should I proceed???
Sorry so long, but it is a big mess with several details!!!!
I had posted this before with no reply, but now there is new info.
I have been in a battle for almost 6 months now about a lease I termed a month early. At the time I moved out, I was looking for money back based on agreements made (which I now have in writing) and a phone call stating that a new tenant was to move in a few days after I moved out. I figured I would have to wait about 30 days to receive my check. Around 30 days later I received a statement saying that I owed almost $1000. I sent a letter asking for clarification, and stating my agreement. Another 30 days went by, and as soon as I had sent out a second follow-up letter, I received a notice from a collection agency.
My next letter to the property went out a few days later, where I asked them to hold off with the collection agency until we could reach an agreement on the balance. I got a phone call from the property a few days later giving me the option to pay a new balance based on such-and-such changes. I asked them to put it in writing and sent it to me. The following week, I received a call from the collection agent, who gave me 15 minutes to pay the original, higher, and disputed balance IN FULL, or he would immediately report it to the legal department for a judgement. I was able to get in touch with someone from the property and they called right away to tell the collection agent to hold off. I called to confirm it, and the collection agents I left messages with never returned the call.
Now I have a BRAND NEW balance, based on the evidence of our “agreement”, which the property NOW admits to having made, and although lower (about $500 now), I still do not agree with it. The property cc’d the collection agent. I foresee having to face the same threats once again. Where is the line drawn? How can I get this cleared up without having to fend off these voracious collection agents????
Since then I have found where I paid a pet deposit of $300, which, although not written well, states that it is refundable. I wrote back asking that they apply this to my balance, and now they say it is not refundable, and also that the monthly pet rent I paid didn't apply to damages either, for which I am being charged almost $300. They once again sent this response to the collection agency, who will no doubt be calling again soon. I am ready to get a lawyer. How should I proceed???
Sorry so long, but it is a big mess with several details!!!!