It’s never fun to get an error on your credit report, and if it’s from an old rental collection, it can be even more frustrating. When you get an alert about this on your credit report, one of the first things you might wonder is how to dispute a rental collection. Luckily, it’s not difficult to do so, provided you’re armed with the right information. Here are some useful tips for disputing a rental collection to have your error removed from your credit report and improve your credit score as a result.
Research your state’s laws
Every state has different laws about what can and cannot be disputed when it comes to collections. You’ll want to research your state’s laws and find out the specific guidelines for the type of debt you are trying to dispute. The last thing you want is to do something that might make your situation worse.
For example, if there was an agreement between you and the creditor for time payments, then writing them will have no effect. The agreement would need to be canceled before you could write the creditor.
Gather your documentation
If you want to dispute a rental collection, the first step is to gather your documentation. You’ll need copies of your lease or rental agreement, receipts for any damages or charges that were billed, and any other communication between yourself and the landlord. Take pictures of the damages or any areas where work was done without your permission.
Write a dispute letter
Paying rent reporting is always challenging. It’s even more difficult when it comes time to move out of your place, and the landlord won’t release your security deposit because of damages you didn’t cause. If this has happened to you, don’t give up hope! This post will help guide you through the process of disputing a rental collection.
Wait for a response
The best way to dispute a rental collection is by contacting the creditor. You can do this by phone, letter, or fax. If they don’t respond after sending one of these letters, then you can take it up with your state’s consumer protection agency.
Take action if there is no response
If your landlord does not respond to your request for a refund, you can file an appeal with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB is a government agency that provides information and resources on issues related to financial services and products. You may also want to contact the National Association of Rental Property Owners (NARPO).
Conclusion
If you’re on the receiving end of a collections letter, it’s important to take action quickly. The first thing that should be done is to look for any inaccuracies in the information. If there are no errors, then it’s time to consult your lease agreement and see what the given procedure for this type of situation is. If your disagreement is with the amount owed, contact the landlord and attempt to negotiate an agreeable repayment plan.
