Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Re: Invalid Debt

I have to agree with attorney Swigart. There is no need to worry on your part, as the phone company cannot force you to pay the prior tenant's bill. There is a wrinkle to this, however, as I have seen phone companies, cable companies and other utility providers refuse to provide service to a property where there is an upaid bill. If you have been living there for four years, and you have your own phone account in your own name, simply notify the provider in writing that its not you bill, and that the person in question hasn't lived at that address for at least 4 years. Good luck.

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Re: Invalid Debt

I would explain to them that the debt is not yours but you predecessor. If they continue to attempt to collect an invalid debt after knowledge of such, there are remedies.