Consumer complaint received 2019-02-18
Company: National Credit Systems,Inc.
State: GA
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed
Sub-issue: Debt is not yours

Complaint:
I am writing in dispute of the charge from XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in the amount of {$8100.00}. 

As you can see from the attached documentation, myself, my daughter XXXX, and my ex-wife XXXX XXXX XXXX have all tried to resolve this situation with the leasing company since XX/XX/XXXX. 

In XXXX, XXXX XXXX was told XXXX had to request a mutual termination in writing with the leasing company. A mutual termination was explained to be a means of terminating the lease by placing another renter in the apartment. A fee of {$200.00} was to be charged to have someone placed someone in the apartment. She was further informed that there was a waiting list of applicants and it would be no problem to fill the space ; therefore, we requested that they fill the space. 

On XX/XX/XXXX XXXX sent the request for mutual termination via email as instructed. XXXX XXXX, the General Manager contacted XXXX regarding this request. XXXX was told she had to vacate the apartment by XX/XX/XXXX ( four days from when they spoke ) and pay the fee. On XX/XX/XXXX I moved all of XXXX  belongings out and paid the final rent and mutual termination fee. See attached copy of check # XXXX in the amount of {$1000.00}. XXXX was not available when I made this payment and turned in the keys. I was given no paperwork or requested to sign any documentation. 

At no time during any conversations with the leasing office staff were we told if they do not fill the apartment I would be liable for the remainder of the year. Nor did anyone contact us to let us know they had not found anyone to fill the apartment. On XX/XX/XXXX XXXX received an email stating her account had a past-due balance of {$8100.00} and payment was due in two weeks. We have made several attempts to resolve the situation with XXXX and the leasing company, but it is impossible to get her on the phone. She will not email information, will only request that she be contacted. Every time an attempt is made to contact her, she is not in and we have to leave a voicemail. 

It is evident by the manner in which this is being handled that the leasing company has no intentions of honoring the mutual termination as previously discussed. Their lack of communication and misrepresentations of the truth are inexcusable. In XXXX  email response dated XX/XX/XXXX at XXXX she states, Primary resident will need to submit a fee of {$200.00} for the process of finding a new person to sign for the remainder of her XXXX housing agreement. That fee was paid with XXXX final rent payment on XX/XX/XXXX! As further proof of their unethical business practices, the final invoice is filled with erroneous charges and inaccuracies. It is stated that the notice given date is XX/XX/XXXX, which we have email proof that XXXX requested this on XX/XX/XXXX. By dating it on XX/XX/XXXX, they have charged a {$50.00} late fee for XXXX, when she moved out on the XXXX. in addition, they are charging for cleaning and painting fees, which are included in contract when a tenant moves out. It is clear this company is taking advantage of inexperienced college students who may not know to question such charges and unethical business practices. 

I also called the XXXX XXXX XXXX on XX/XX/XXXX to inquire if there was any availability and they stated they were fully booked and no vacancy. They said I could provide my name for a waiting list incase someone terminates their lease they would contact me for the opening. 

This collection account is now causing further hardship to my family as it has delayed the refinancing of my home. I am asking that you remove this account from my credit report until a full investigation of this company and its practices can be completed. 

Please contact me if you need any additional documentation or information. 

Thanking you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation