Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Landlord trying to stiff me, please help :(

I was renting an apartment in the Fort Worth, Texas area nearly 4 and half years ago. I moved out in June, because I moved to another state. I gave the land lord a months notice, and everything was fine. When I moved in I paid $400.00 per month, and I paid a $300.00 deposit.

I recently checked my credit and saw this landlord on my credit. He is clamining I skipped my rent halfway through the month, when I wasn't even in the state. I paid my month in full before I left. Plus he is saying I left the place a mess and it costed him $300.00 to clean it, amazingly enough the same amount my deposit is.

I contacted him and he is a rude, sexist man and refused to help me. Said if I don't pay him $700.00 right away he is going to turn me into a collection agency. Mind you this is 4 1/2 years old now. I have proof that I wasn't even in the state at the time, and everyone who moves into that ''slum'' paid a $300.00 depsoit. What can I do???

He said he filed in court against me 4 years ago, but the court only shows a file, no date and no other information.

I can't move into a new apartment, until this is taken care of. Please help me :*(


Asked on 3/31/04, 7:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Schomer Schomer Law Group

Re: Landlord trying to stiff me, please help :(

Immediately send a letter to the credit agency disputing the allegation. The credit agency is required to remove it while it is being investigated. Support your position with any evidence you can find. Find a court service to pull and copy the file you described and see if the landlord obtained a judgment against you. If he did, you may need to hire a Texas attorney to defend yourself.

Good luck.

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Answered on 3/31/04, 7:25 pm


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