Apartment Issues (Denver: subletting, apartment complex, lease)

[sarahfasgold]

When I was 19 (and stupid) we were living in a pricey apartment in Denver that my husbands company paid for. When he got laid off we had a "friend" move into our apartment so we could move back home to Oklahoma. We didn't do anything official because we trusted him. He ended up leaving the next month and never told us. My husband and I both have $6,800 owed on our credit report from this. It was opened 4-5-2010 and last reported 2-8-2011. I am far from having the $6,800 to pay it off. I'm not sure if I should call the company that bought the debt or if I should call the apartment complex. I'm sure I should ask to settle right? How long after settling and paying would it take to come off of my credit?

[2bindenver]

Did they obtain a judgment against you?

[sarahfasgold]

I don't believe so? I'm not exactly sure how to find that out. Would the apartment complex know? The name of the apartment complex looks like it has changed a few times since we lived there.

[2bindenver]

Call the clerk of the court in the county where the apartment is. Ask if there is a judgment against you.

Otherwise dispute the issue, in writing, with all the credit reporting services. Keep copies of your dispute letter and enclosures. https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

something like this:


Date
Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

Complaint Department
Name of Credit Bureau
Address
City, State, Zip Code


Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to dispute the following information in my file. The items I dispute also are encircled on the attached copy of the report I received.

This item (identify item(s) disputed by name of source, such as creditors, and identify type of item, such as credit account, judgment, etc.) is (inaccurate or incomplete) because (describe what is inaccurate or incomplete and why). I am requesting that the item be deleted (or request another specific change) to correct the information.

Please investigate this (these) matter(s) and (delete or correct) the disputed item(s) as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Your name

Enclosures: (List what you are enclosing)

[sarahfasgold]

I called and she said there was no judgement that she could see. There were 4 evictions listed with the first one being dismissed without prejudice. I have the case numbers and the name and number of the consulting firm listed on the cases. Should I contact the consulting firm or move on to the debt collectors? I'm nervous that what they will want to settle for will still be out of question for me.

Thank you, thank you for your help!

[Indigo Cardinal]

Not a lawyer, and don't play one on TV, but a few questions:

1.) If your husband's company was paying for it, wouldn't the lease in their name?

2.) If the answer to question 1 is no, then unfortunately, I don't see how you'll be able to avoid the fees--you didn't speak to the complex about subletting the apartment (which is a big no-no all over), and your friend skipped out on you without paying up, so from the complex's POV, there was still a valid lease going on that nobody paid rent on.

3.) How is it this is all coming to light just now? That just seems odd.

[sarahfasgold]

He worked as a sub at Schlumberger, but actually was employed by a tiny company here in Oklahoma. We had about 2 days notice to move and I was terrified of picking a bad place to live when I had never even been to Colorado before. I found these apartments that seemed like they were in an okay area and just picked them. I didn't have time to wait on paperwork and his little company getting things done quickly enough. I went ahead and put us on the lease and they called and paid it for us every month. (You don't have to tell me because I'm old enough to realize how incredibly naive and and stupid that was) When Schlumberger did a big layoff they cut my husbands contract and hired someone in house to do his job. We had days to either find a really really good paying job or get back to Oklahoma so our families could help so we asked a friend who was looking for a new apartment in our area to take over. He agreed and was moving in as we were moving out. (I KNOW! INCREDIBLY STUPID). This is just now coming to light because I had never been interested in buying a house until now and we had been lucky in finding landlords who would use references and large deposits instead of credit checks.

[Indigo Cardinal]

Originally Posted by sarahfasgold

He worked as a sub at Schlumberger, but actually was employed by a tiny company here in Oklahoma. We had about 2 days notice to move and I was terrified of picking a bad place to live when I had never even been to Colorado before. I found these apartments that seemed like they were in an okay area and just picked them. I didn't have time to wait on paperwork and his little company getting things done quickly enough. I went ahead and put us on the lease and they called and paid it for us every month. (You don't have to tell me because I'm old enough to realize how incredibly naive and and stupid that was) When Schlumberger did a big layoff they cut my husbands contract and hired someone in house to do his job. We had days to either find a really really good paying job or get back to Oklahoma so our families could help so we asked a friend who was looking for a new apartment in our area to take over. He agreed and was moving in as we were moving out. (I KNOW! INCREDIBLY STUPID). This is just now coming to light because I had never been interested in buying a house until now and we had been lucky in finding landlords who would use references and large deposits instead of credit checks.

I was wondering if your husband's company's name might be on the lease, and therefore, partly liable, if they were paying the rent directly. (I've no direct experience in such a situation.)