Consumer complaint received 2023-10-06
Company: HW Holding, Inc
State: IL
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Rental debt
Issue: Communication tactics
Sub-issue: You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying

Complaint:
When initially contacted by Hunter Warfield via phone, XXXX XXXX and I explicitly requested that all further communication be conducted through email. Despite our clear request, XXXX at Hunter Warfield continued to make phone calls to us. 

XXXX, on XX/XX/2023, I formally requested additional information in writing via email. However, XXXX responded with a discourteous phone call at approximately XXXXXXXX XXXX 

Please refer to the email I sent this morning, XX/XX/2023, at approximately XXXX XXXX  below : Dear Hunter Warfield, We are writing in joint response to your recent communication regarding the debt associated with the account number XXXX We wish to express our strong dissatisfaction with the manner in which you have handled this matter, including the debt verification process and the unprofessional conduct exhibited during our phone conversation. 

First and foremost, we want to reiterate our dispute of the debt based on the legally terminated lease agreement for the property located at XXXX, XXXX, Illinois, XXXX. The termination document we previously provided clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the lease termination, which releases us from any further obligations, including any outstanding balances or charges. It is important to note that the lease agreement was terminated in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Resident Landlord Tenant Ordinance ( RLTO ) and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. 

As per the RLTO and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, we had valid grounds to terminate the lease agreement due to numerous breaches of the lease terms by the landlord. We have meticulously documented these breaches with photographs, testimonials, and digital correspondence with XXXX Management. The evidence we possess substantiates our decision to terminate the lease and further supports our position in disputing the alleged debt. We are fully prepared to present this evidence in court, should it become necessary to protect our rights and seek a fair resolution. 

In light of the aforementioned, we find it unacceptable to receive the lease agreement as a debt verification, as it fails to address the valid termination of the lease agreement and the subsequent release of our obligations. This document does not serve as a proper debt verification under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), nor does it acknowledge the legal grounds on which the lease was terminated. 

Furthermore, we must express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the unprofessional conduct displayed by your representative during our recent phone conversation. Despite our request to communicate solely via email to ensure a clear and documented record of our interactions, your representative adopted a rude and threatening demeanor, ultimately hanging up on us. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable and falls far below the expected standards of professional conduct. 

We expect an immediate response addressing the issues raised in this email, along with a proper debt verification that complies with the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and acknowledges the validity of our lease termination. Furthermore, we demand that all future communication be conducted in a respectful and professional manner, strictly adhering to our explicit request to communicate solely via email. 

Please be advised that any further violations of debt collection laws, including harassment, misrepresentation, or failure to provide accurate debt verification, will be promptly reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities. We are fully prepared to take all necessary legal actions to protect our rights and seek appropriate remedies. 

We look forward to your immediate attention to this matter and a swift resolution. Please provide a joint written response to this email within XXXX business days confirming that you have received and understood the contents of this communication. 

Sincerely, ************** **************** XXXX The email sent on XX/XX/2023, which we have included below, has remained unanswered. It also reiterates our preference for communication exclusively through email. 


Dear Hunter Warfield, We are writing in joint response to your recent communication regarding the debt associated with the account number XXXX We wish to express our strong dissatisfaction with the manner in which you have handled this matter, including the debt verification process and the unprofessional conduct exhibited during our phone conversation. 

First and foremost, we want to reiterate our dispute of the debt based on the legally terminated lease agreement for the property located at XXXX, XXXX, Illinois, XXXX. The termination document we previously provided clearly outlines the terms and conditions of the lease termination, which releases us from any further obligations, including any outstanding balances or charges. It is important to note that the lease agreement was terminated in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Resident Landlord Tenant Ordinance ( RLTO ) and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. 

As per the RLTO and the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act, we had valid grounds to terminate the lease agreement due to numerous breaches of the lease terms by the landlord. We have meticulously documented these breaches with photographs, testimonials, and digital correspondence with XXXX Management. The evidence we possess substantiates our decision to terminate the lease and further supports our position in disputing the alleged debt. We are fully prepared to present this evidence in court, should it become necessary to protect our rights and seek a fair resolution. 

In light of the aforementioned, we find it unacceptable to receive the lease agreement as a debt verification, as it fails to address the valid termination of the lease agreement and the subsequent release of our obligations. This document does not serve as a proper debt verification under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ), nor does it acknowledge the legal grounds on which the lease was terminated. 

Furthermore, we must express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the unprofessional conduct displayed by your representative during our recent phone conversation. Despite our request to communicate solely via email to ensure a clear and documented record of our interactions, your representative adopted a rude and threatening demeanor, ultimately hanging up on us. Such behavior is entirely unacceptable and falls far below the expected standards of professional conduct. 

We expect an immediate response addressing the issues raised in this email, along with a proper debt verification that complies with the requirements of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and acknowledges the validity of our lease termination. Furthermore, we demand that all future communication be conducted in a respectful and professional manner, strictly adhering to our explicit request to communicate solely via email. 

Please be advised that any further violations of debt collection laws, including harassment, misrepresentation, or failure to provide accurate debt verification, will be promptly reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities. We are fully prepared to take all necessary legal actions to protect our rights and seek appropriate remedies. 

We look forward to your immediate attention to this matter and a swift resolution. Please provide a joint written response to this email within XXXX business days confirming that you have received and understood the contents of this communication. 

Sincerely,

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation