I'm a former tenant. How do I handle a collection agency trying to collect unpaid rent?
12
3
I understand this can be a difficult time, and I truly appreciate your openness. I’ve carefully reviewed everything and prepared your answer below. Please take your time to look it over, and don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is unclear or if you have any follow-up questions. My goal is to ensure everything makes sense and that you feel confident moving forward.
If there is a collections agency pursuing you, then you have options (15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p):
- You can pay and close it out.
- You can negotiate a discount based on hardship.
- You can demand proof of the debt and proof of their relationship to the original creditor before taking any action.
Having local representation would be helpful in this situation. Your State Bar Association or the American Bar Association often offer referral services or legal aid programs for free or affordable assistance. For private attorneys, websites like Avvo.com and Justia.com make it easier to search for lawyers near you, sorted by specialties.
Does all of that make sense to you?
Upvote if this is a clear answer
Downvote if this is not a clear answer
Full Conversation
Rental/landlord question.
I understand you have a question about rental and landlord issues. Can you please tell me if you are a tenant or a landlord?
I was a tenant.
Are you facing any specific challenges with your rental property or lease agreement?
No longer there but a collection agency is now trying to get payment.
Is there anything else the landlord-tenant lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with the collection agency issue.
Yes.
Hello and welcome. My name is Daniel, and I’ve been a licensed lawyer for more than 21 years. I’m truly sorry you’re going through this and I'm here to help. Could you please share a bit more about what happened? It would really help me get a clearer picture. Given everything you’ve shared, what result are you hoping to achieve?
Thanks.
I understand this can be a difficult time, and I truly appreciate your openness. I’ve carefully reviewed everything and prepared your answer below. Please take your time to look it over, and don’t hesitate to reach out if anything is unclear or if you have any follow-up questions. My goal is to ensure everything makes sense and that you feel confident moving forward.
If there is a collections agency pursuing you, then you have options (15 U.S.C. §§ 1692–1692p):
- You can pay and close it out.
- You can negotiate a discount based on hardship.
- You can demand proof of the debt and proof of their relationship to the original creditor before taking any action.
Having local representation would be helpful in this situation. Your State Bar Association or the American Bar Association often offer referral services or legal aid programs for free or affordable assistance. For private attorneys, websites like Avvo.com and Justia.com make it easier to search for lawyers near you, sorted by specialties.
Does all of that make sense to you?
Yes.
I want to make sure everything is clear and easy to understand. If you'd like me to explain anything further or have follow-up questions, just let me know. Thanks!
