Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

I was renting apartment in Dallas TX for past 2 years (same complex and same apartment). We renewed our lease twice but the complex never painted or replaced carpets etc. When moving out to another apartment in the same complex after 2 years we arranged professional cleaning etc. But the complex sent us a bill of $1100 for move out charges which includes cleaning, blinds,carpet replacement etc.

They asked me to pay immediately otherwise the are going for a collection agency.My question is it very easy to hire a collection agency in US and start the collection procedure against anyone?Is there any way to fight or dispute the charges against the complex.I tried approaching them personally but they are very rude and never bother to reply back or communicate.

Even after 2 years in US whenever I apply for any credit card I get the reply that too few credit references available.With already too few credit references on my credit file, can a negative remark from collection agency may create any difference?

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

What does your contract say?

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

Check your lease and also check out what the local city laws are. Ring your local housing authority. They might be trying to get one over on you. Do you rent from a management company or just a small landlord?

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

We successfully fought a move-out bill by putting our arguments in writing to the head office of the apartment owner and copying all the local management. We too had spectacularly rude treatment from the local management when we tried to fight it.

Fatbrit's right about it mostly coming down to what's in your contract. In our case, we had been explicitly told (verbally, at the time of signing) that the move out fees in our contract would be waived. Legally what was written in the contract took precedent over verbal promises, but a letter to head office threatening legal action got us all fees waived.

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

This is a fine example of a, broader, very important point. Nine times out of ten (or something) dodgy outfits that try it on, threatening legal action, collections etc are chancing their arm against the (sadly, very high) likelihood of winning by default.

This is because most people either don't contest things, or make a half-arsed job of doing so. Folks who make it clear from the beginning that they are prepared to fight it all the way often find that the chancers will drop it as not being worth the candle in comparison to all the low hanging fruit that's out there.

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

agree with penquinbar. Also, get a copy of the state's real estate manual, in there there should be a chapter relating to rental and leases. (remember, if the place is pre-78 you should have been given a lead based paint disclosure)

Save your receipts. Around here you can't charge for normal wear and tear; only malicious harm done on a property and the belongings.

When you move in and do a walk through, take pictures and a vid of the place and make copies (including notes) and give a set to the LL/Management and one for yourself... also have them sign a piece of paper acknowledging them receiving such material.

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

Three things to keep in mind about collections agencies. First, the debt is bought rather than collected and it is bought for pennies on the dollar so companies typically want to avoid using them because they won't get much. Secondly, the collections agency has to agree to buy it. If they think they won't get enough back to cover what they paid then they won't take it on. Lastly, since they didn't pay the full price of the debt they are usually willing to accept a lesser amount as long as it doesn't cost them money to do so.

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

Check the requirements of the State about what a landlord is responsible for.

If they are responsible for replacing the carpets every 3 years and haven't done so, threaten to sue them back. You'll actually win that one.

Re: Options To Dispute A MoveOut Bill
 

I'm going to close this because the OP has been banned and has a habit of posting only situations that apply to the one person in the world he's trying to answer them for.

Dude, registering with a female name doesn't change who you are. :lol:


If anyone has a burning need for the thread to be reopened, just message me.
meauxna