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In September 2009 me and a friend of mine moved out of a apartment. We both turned in the keys to the apartment and moved out of town and never heard from them again. We fast forward to a few weeks ago. I get a notice from a collection agency saying I own the almost $1000. I called the property management group and asked about why they believe we own them any money, but they just tell me its out of there hands now that they sold the account to collections. I feel that there is no reason I should pay this when I can not get a answer of why I owe it.
Are you sure the friend didn't get notice? Usually notices would be sent certified mail to the forwarding address given. If they are signed for, that is considered notice.
The notice from the collection agency was sent to me but had mine and my old roommates name on it. I never got my deposit back but then again after I moved and turned in my key they never contacted me. The deposit was only $200 but figured it was a lost cause because we cleaned the apartment except for vacuuming before we left since the vacuum broke on us. I am going to fight this, I have no problem paying if I caused any damage but I feel like I am getting screwed over.
I don't mean this notice, I mean notice of the amount due in the first place. Whose address did you give them as a forwarding address when you moved out? They may have sent a bill to the roommate, and then when it was turned over to collections, the collection company hunted you down to serve you as well.
First off, when exactly did you receive your letter? I really, really hope it was within the last 30 days. That's pretty important.
The first thing you need to do is send out a basic "demand to validate" letter. This tells the debt collector that you dispute the debt and that they need to prove you owe it. If you send it within 30 days of your receipt of their letter, they MUST cease all collection activity until the debt has been validated. This needs to be sent certified mail, return receipt. Do not sign the letter. Your printed name is fine.
Oh, and order your credit reports now while you're at it. Best to get the hard copy they mail to you as it usually has more info.
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