Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

I recently disputed a collections account stemming from a lease at an apartment complex. I disputed the debt with the apartment company first, and then the collections company. The last correspondence I have had from the collections company is that they deny any inaccuracies on the report. The amount is now on my credit report as about $1,900 even though the original was $1,600. It is listed as disputed.

I am going to buy a house and do not want the issue on my report. However, the amount I am willing to pay is far less than the $1,900. I also feel there are many inaccuracies, and am not sure what to do. I plan on writing a letter to the collections company and Equifax, Transunion, Experian, but not sure what to say to get it removed. Help!


Asked on 2/11/13, 12:32 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Kubler The Kubler Law Firm

RE: "not sure what to say to get it removed" -- Credit Reporting Agencies are only required to verify the accuracy of the information provided to them. They do not have to remove the information. While the collection agency properly notified the credit reporting agency it was disputed it sounds like they misreported the amount if what you're saying is true.

While you're saying you're willing to pay the debt, if you're only saying this to help your credit, then you ought to consider suing the original apartment complex if they were falsely sending this amount to collections. If you're a prevailing consumer, i.e. you win your case then the creditor has to pay for your attorney fees and costs.

Read more
Answered on 2/11/13, 2:56 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in California