Consumer complaint received 2022-04-30
Company: TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS INC
State: NY
Product: Debt collection
Sub-product: Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt
Sub-issue: Didn't receive enough information to verify debt

Complaint:
I was a resident if XXXX XXXX XXXX since XXXX and unfortunately had to move out in XXXX of XXXX. Since then, I have been a model tenant with no issues or complaints and have always paid my rent in full and kept close contact with the office in regards to late payments or emergency issues medically that I encountered. I sent a notice over XXXX stating that due to COVID-19, I would unfortunately not be able to continue my residency within the apartment complex and I would be vacating the property by XX/XX/XXXX. Unfortunately my employment is not going to return full time and our positions have been eliminated. I received a very nasty phone call from a woman named XXXX in the main office whom informed me that she did not care about my notice to vacate and that I would be breaking my contract with XXXX XXXX and would have a balance. On the contrary, my letter stated that I am aware I would have a balance and would not have a problem making a payment arrangement, as I had spoken to someone about before, to resolve and unpaid balances. I did also state in this later that I would continue to pay on my account what I could until XX/XX/XXXX and that my security deposit could be used for any unpaid balances due to the COVID-19 pandemic and my lay off. Unfortunately, since my job is not returning, I have no option but to move out of the state and back to where I am from with family. She informed me that I did not have a choice and that I would keep accruing fees and that she would be filing for my eviction on XX/XX/XXXX and having a sheriff come to the door to remove me.As of my date of filing the vacation letter, XX/XX/XXXX, I was behind one months rent minus {$500.00}. I had a previous communication with XXXX, the interim office manager and she was aware and working with me with the balance. Again, I informed XXXX, the current office manager, I would pay what I could on the balance. She told me that she suggested I get out before XXXX is over to save me time, everyone the headache and money. She was not very helpful. I asked her to speak to her supervisor or someone from corporate and the name of her boss and she informed me that Id get no one, no one will speak to me and shes as high as I get to go. 
I informed her that that is against the law during COVID due to Tenant Harbor Safe Act that was passed by the XXXX XXXX and this protects tenants from threats of this nature by landlords, as well as eviction proceedings and retaliation for inability to pay rent due to job loss and pandemic. Tenants can not be penalized or threatened with eviction if they experience financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This act was actively in effect during this time period and the provisions were still in place. She informed me that she had no idea what I was talking about and this wasnt a thing and she needed proof to send up to corporate to have corporate review it. She told me that I did not have a choice and that if I was not out by XX/XX/XXXX there would be problems. I informed her again, that I wrote a later stating all my personal items and the property would be cleared by XX/XX/XXXX and she told me, I DO NOT, WE DO NOT ACCEPT YOUR LETTER OF VACATION. Its invalid. It doesnt matter. I did not want to continue to get into a screaming match with her so I informed her I would be contacting corporate and the sheriffs office in the local town. Upon contacting the sheriffs office, the sergeant informed me that there are an over abundance of eviction cases and if the office does file, I would be long gone before any law is lifted. The sheriffs office informed me that there are no active eviction proceedings and they are not aware as to when the boarding department in each city and county is going to be allowed to reopen filings for such proceedings. He informed me as well that not only do I live in and extremely drug infested community, but he does suggest that for the safety of myself and my child, that I document everything that I send. I let the office manager, XXXX, know that I would be sending a certified letter for return receipt and she informed me she would not be signing it and sending it back. I told her I tried to drop off a hard copy signed and notarized and she told me she wont accept it. Im considered a SKIP and that unemployment and loss of job due the pandemic is not an excuse to not be able to pay my rent. I have filed this with the better business bureau as well. Continously over the last two years. The office manager, XXXX, at XXXX XXXX XXXX, violated my rights as a tenant under the acts signed into law by the governor of XXXX. I asked to have my notice to vacate honored and a bit of understanding during this hard time without penalty, and my rights as a tenant under the act are being violated. She informed me that Id have a hefty balance to pay and that I should avoid it and leave today. She informed me that she would send police to my house until I left everyday after XX/XX/XXXX. She informed me that tenants have no rights during the pandemic that she is aware of and that she needs proof of that herself. XXXX XXXX properties was the previous owner of the property and sent my bill upon move out to Transworld Systems Inc suggesting I owed over {$7000.00} in fees and lease fees. I have attempted to call Transworld and get proof of debt for two years, and nothing has been sent to me. I did not sign any documentation assuming this debt is valid, nor did they take me to court for the debt. XXXX XXXX properties sold the complex to another property management company two weeks after I voluntarily moved out and the new property owners have no record of me ever being a resident. I have contacted and made SEVERAL attempts to settle this debt for less than owed and no communication has been sent to me from Transworld. XXXX has been attempted to XXXX XXXX Properties as well, and they continue to ignore attorney letters and requests for information and settlement from myself as well.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation