League City, Texas
If you have lived in a apartment for almost a year with water leaking roof and they fixed it once. But they knew about the ongoing leaking roof. Left, give one month notice, cleaned the apartment and they send you a settlement bill and you ask clarification in writing (this was June of 2007). I checked if they received my letter and I never heart from them until March 2008 a debt collection agency contacts me in writing. What are my rights or what can I do? I called the collection agency they were very rude on the phone, and I told them that I left in good standing besides the settlement statement, with no debt to the apartment complex. They said you sound like a smart men just pay the $285 or we destroy your credit. My credit score is excellent.

Tell them, as far as you are aware, you left without owning anything. BTW did you get your deposit back? Tell them that unless they can validate what you owe, you will not pay. Tell them also, that if they enter this disputed amount on your credit report, you will sue them. And put this all in writing.

On the flip side, The hassle of going through all this with them may not be worth $285. So tell them, in the interests of getting rid of this, you will pay then $145 and they will provide you will a paid in full statement.

I will write them about it. And I can copy the 3 credit buro's on it. What happens if it goes on my credit, for the rest my credit is perfect. Thank you.

Its unlikely one small, disputed landlord bill will have a major affect on your credit.