Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia
Apartment Damages Debt Collection
My former apartment has sent a 2,000 dollar bill to a debt collection agency. The letter says that ''this debt has been referred to us for collection''. The debt is for damages to the apartment. Needless to say I did not cause 2k worth of damages to the place. My question is when I send a letter asking for validation of the debt what do they need to show to validate it? I want to see copies of bills and records showing they paid. Are they required to show this?
If this is still going to the original creditor (the apartment itself) should I contact them directly and ask for evidence of this damage?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Apartment Damages Debt Collection
Typically they will produce a piece of paper that basically says "you owe us $2,000" or some phony invoice with no supporting documentation or invoices. Stand your ground and demand proper verification of the debt and insist on finding out how they came up with this tidy round figure. Since they did not sue you and instead took the cowardly approach of trying to shame you and possibly harm your credit over what may be a totally bogus damage claim, you should consider consulting a good consumer law attorney about whether you have any claims against the landlord and the debt collectors. Keep all correspondence and envelopes, keep all messages and keep a good diary on all conversations, etc. Good luck!
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