Consumer complaint received 2023-09-20
Company: Rowland Avenue Management, Inc. A/KA Columbia Debt Recovery, LLC d/b/a Genesis
State: WA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Rental debt
Issue: False statements or representation
Sub-issue: Attempted to collect wrong amount

Complaint:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to file a formal complaint against Columbia Debt Recovery for their illegal and unethical actions in attempting to collect a debt that is not legally owed. The purpose of this complaint is to bring to your attention the gross violations of consumer protection laws by Columbia Debt Recovery and to seek your assistance in rectifying this matter. 

The relevant facts pertaining to this complaint are as follows : My lease agreement commenced in XX/XX/XXXX and was scheduled to end in XX/XX/XXXX, as confirmed by the Washington State Emergency Proclamation by Governor XXXX XXXX. This proclamation, as outlined in Emergency Proclamation by the Governor Amending Proclamations XXXX and XXXX, explicitly states that landlords are prohibited from treating any unpaid rent or other charges related to a dwelling as an enforceable debt or obligation if such non-payment was, in whole or in part, a result of the COVID-19 crisis. 

The proclamation specifically covers the period from XX/XX/XXXX, through XX/XX/XXXX. Under these provisions, landlords, including Columbia Debt Recovery, are expressly forbidden from attempting to collect rent or related charges for this period, whether through collection agencies, by reporting to credit bureaus, or any other means. 

Columbia Debt Recovery is seeking an unjustified amount of {$23000.00} for the debt. Moreover, they are attempting to unethically manipulate the credit bureaus by misrepresenting the account 's original date as XX/XX/XXXX, in an effort to confuse them into thinking that it falls outside of the protected times outlined in the emergency proclamation. However, the truth is that the account was created during the protected COVID-19 era, and their actions are an egregious violation of consumer protection laws. 

Additionally, Columbia Debt Recovery falsely claims that I moved out in XX/XX/XXXX when, in fact, I vacated the premises in XXXX, before my lease had expired. I can provide evidence in the form of a lease agreement with my new tenant, which clearly shows my move-in date in XX/XX/XXXX. 

In light of the above, I am legally obligated to pay only for the months of XX/XX/XXXX and XX/XX/XXXX, as these months fall outside the scope of the prohibited period mentioned in the proclamation. 

Despite the clear legal protections in place, Columbia Debt Recovery has consistently engaged in unlawful and unethical debt collection practices by attempting to collect the entire rent debt, including the months covered by the proclamation. These actions not only disregard the emergency proclamation but also raise serious concerns about Columbia Debt Recovery 's compliance with consumer protection laws. 

I kindly request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigate Columbia Debt Recovery 's actions in this matter and take appropriate action to ensure they cease all collection attempts for rent debt related to the prohibited period under the Washington State Emergency Proclamation. Furthermore, I urge the Bureau to hold Columbia Debt Recovery accountable for any violations of consumer protection laws and seek remedies on behalf of consumers like myself who have been subject to these unlawful practices. 

I appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to safeguarding consumer rights. I kindly request a prompt response regarding the status of this complaint and any actions taken by the Bureau to address this issue. 

I am a XXXX  student and will be required to apply for student loans, it is of the utmost importance to have this collection amount removed from my credit bureaus and to prevent further unethical actions against any COVID-related individuals facing the same scenario. 

Thank you for your assistance in resolving this important matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation