My Case Has Been Sent to the Collection Agency - Please

[kimsoook11]

Hi,

I received a letter from my former landlord saying that my case has been
sent to the collection agency and that unless I dispute their claim in
the next 30 days, they will turn my case to the credit rating bureau.
As I moved out of the apartment back in October last year and have not
been staying a a fixed address since then, I did not receive other correspondences
sent by the landlord earlier. Back in October, I was laid off by my
company and had to break the lease and move out of the apartment as I
could no longer afford to stay there. I notified the landlord in a faxed
letter stating this and also communicated with their leasing office over
the phone. Unfortunately (and stupidly), I did not secure anything in writing from them saying that they accept my request.

Apparently the reason why they are pursuing my case is that they have
not yet found a tenant to replace me. Therefore they have been holding
me liable to pay the rent. I find this difficult to believe as the apartment
is a rent-stablized, fully renovated unit in the prime Upper East location
and would be considered a steal.

Anyway, at this point in time I would like to find out if I should try
to handle this case by myself, i.e. by sending the landlord a letter
disputing their charge, or to hire a lawyer.

Your suggestions would be much appreciated.

[bundy]

sounds like you just left yoru rent obligation. you should pay. the landlord is right.

[anylaurie]

My case has also been sent to a collections agency. What happens when collections take over? They go after your credit rating? Does the collection agency sue you, or does the landlord? I'm not sure what it all means besides harassing phone calls.

(FYI, I broke my lease, had several suitable tenants lined up to take over my rent at $1895.00, until the landlord increased the rent to $2150. My potential tenants disappeared and the landlord was only able to rent the apartment after he'd lowered the rent, two months later, to $1825.)

[Brooklyn Babe]

I think you should both "consult" with a lawyer as to what steps you need to take (if possible) to rectify this on your own.
Have no clue, but maybe sending a letter to LL, reminding them that they agreed to let you out of the lease early and asking exactly what these charges are about since your rent was paid up until lease cancellation.