Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Washington

Filing of Judgment

In 9/04 I was renting an apartment and had to make auto repairs. I asked the manager if I could pay my rent on the 15th of the month. She said that was fine as long as I paid late fees. I also had filed an intent to vacate on the 9th of that month. New management came in and took over and began eviction proceedings. I spoke to my apartment manager and she said don't worry she'd take care of it. The 15th came and I paid my rent + late fees and POSSIBLE attorney fees (an extra $220). My check cleared on 9/17. On 9/24 the management company still went forward and filed a judgment against me even though they still cashed my check. This showed up on my credit report as an unsatisfied judgment that was actually paid 1 week before it was even filed. I just recently contacted the lawyer that filed the judgment and he went and satisfied it with the court because it had already been paid. Am I just outta luck on this or is there something that I can do to recoup some of my credit score being shot down because of their error?


Asked on 3/08/07, 1:33 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Filing of Judgment

Yes. The fact that the lawyer filed a satisfaction of judgment is proof that the money was paid, that's why he did it. He doesn't want you to go vacate the whole thing - which you could do - because 1) possession was not at issue and 2) the money was all ready paid.

You can ask the lawyer to write an explanation and forward it to all three credit bureaus, and send you a copy.

Or, you can litigate it. Call if you need more help. Powell

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Answered on 3/08/07, 11:22 am


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