Landlords and collection question. Please Help

Hi Maya---I'm not sure they 'have' to tell you that they're sending it to collections. You take that chance with any outstanding debt that you owe. usually a creditor will only go so long and then they will send it to collections. some creditors will tell you that they plan to send it off to a collection agency if not paid by a certain time but I'm not sure this would apply to a 'landlord'. If you fear it being sent to collections, then I suggest that you contact this landlord and work out some type of agreement or payment arrangement asap. good chance that if the landlord thinks you are sincere about paying, he will work it out with you. if he sends it to collections, he will have to pay them to collect the money for him. This is all just my two cents worth---anyone else want to jump in here??? shirley

I am disputing the electrical bill so can the landlord send it to collection when he knows that I am currently seeking legal help in order to resolve the problem?

The landlord shouldn't but he might/can. This means that if you are contacted by a debt collector sometime later, you will dispute the same information. The debt collector has to get the correct information from your landlord before you send your money. At this point, you should send a dispute letter to the landlord with the date so that it can be proven later that you were already aware of this dispute and tried to resolve it directly with the landlord.

I am trying to settle the debt for about 70% less than what the landlord is asking for (he is asking for 2K, i am trying to settle for $700 which is all I have right now). Any advice on how I should go about in doing this? I know that it has to be sent certified with return signature. What should I say in the letter? How many days should I give him to reply?

Maya, keep negotiating for a favorable credit report entry. This might be a tough job but you will get some response from the landlord after sending a letter something like this. Re-word it wherever it fits to your situation.

YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

Date:

CREDITOR NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

RE: Acct.#

Creditor:

I recently obtained a copy of my credit report and noticed that your company has reported me as having the above listed account as: (delinquent, sent to collections, etc.). I wish to bring this account to a resolution that will be fair and beneficial for both of us. Therefore, I propose to pay you X monthly payments of $, or forward a check to you in the amount of $ as payment in full, provided that you are willing to send me a letter stating you will report this to any and all credit reporting agencies as: 'PAID AS AGREED' or notify me in writing that you agree to delete this item from any and all credit reporting agencies.

I WILL NOT agree to accept a 'PAID P & L' or 'CHARGE OFF' for an additional amount of time on my credit report. It is my position that I have suffered enough as a result of this problem.

Upon receipt of your letter I will send you a cashier's check or money order in the amount of $.

Sincerely,

Signature Date signed

Your name Date printed

anthony,
i recently learned of this bill about a month ago and immediately asked for proof. i received proof and then sent a letter saying that i will respond accordingly when i sought legal advice. i don't think landlord has reported anything to collection agency yet. i am just being paranoid i guess. the bill is in my name and a friend. will landlord report both of us to collection? i am the one who is handling the dispute and correspondence.

i am planning to send a letter asking to settle the debt. what should i write in the letter? thanks for your help. i really appreciate it.

Maya, I think in Anthony's last posting he indicated what he suggests you write.