Howdo I dispute a debt with my landlordregrding my former rental?
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Howdo I dispute a debt with my landlordregrding my former rental?
I moved from an apartment about 2 1/2 weeks before my lease was up. I put in my 30 day notice as requested and paid all dues. Now, several months later, they have forwarded me to a collection department and are saying that I turned my keys in 2 days after I was due to vacate the apartment. My mom was with me when I turned in my keys and she can witness to that. I filled out a forwarding address form and they told me that was it. How can I defeat this? I have all my documents that I paid what was due and they are saying I owe for moving out late but I moved out weeks before.
Asked on October 27, 2010 under Real Estate Law, Louisiana
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Is this "collection department" part of a management company or corporation affiliated with your landlord? Did he get a judgement against you for something and sell the judgement? Or did he hire this agency to help him collect on his alleged debt owed? You need to send a letter by certified mail to the collection agency and to your landlord disputing the debt owed. Give some proof of moving (did you rent a truck, use a moving company?), indicate you have witnesses to turning over the keys early and filling out the form (do you have a copy that is dated?) and indicate that if they continue to attempt collection on this alleged debt or report this to any credit bureau you will take whatever steps are necessary under the law to prosecute them both. Call the state attorney general's office and see where they will direct you as well.
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