Consumer complaint received 2023-10-23
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Attempts to collect debt not owed — Debt is not yours
Company: HW Holding, Inc (IL)

On XX/XX/XXXX, I contacted XXXX XXXX inquiring about their affordable housing units. I was informed that they indeed had an affordable housing program, but there was a waiting list with XXXX people ahead of me. When I inquired about touring the property, I was told that only virtual tours were available. Accepting this, I requested the application and promptly provided my email address to the representative. Within moments, I received the application and submitted it the same day. In my application, I emphasized the special accommodations needed for my XXXX son, as well as our homeless status at the time. 


On XX/XX/XXXX, I received a voicemail from a staff member at XXXX XXXX, XXXX, indicating that I had been approved. I felt a wave of relief knowing that I had progressed on the waiting list so quickly. Eager to gather more information, I promptly returned XXXX 's call, only to be informed by another leasing agent that XXXX was currently unavailable. They assured me that they would pass along my message. 

However, instead of receiving a call back from XXXX, I received an email from her on XX/XX/XXXX. In the email, she outlined the requirements for approval, which included the need to earn at least XXXX times the rent amount of {$1700.00}. XXXX XXXX had conducted a standard credit and background check, focusing on the debt-to-income ratio rather than a specific XXXX XXXX. The application also contained a price quote for an available unit, which had an expiration date of XX/XX/XXXX, at XXXX PM. After receiving this information, I promptly attempted to apply for the unit. 

While completing my application, I encountered an issue. I observed that the unit provided by XXXX in the quote was not available for selection in the application process. Despite my numerous attempts to reach out to XXXX before the application deadline, I left several messages with other staff members in the hope that they might assist me and prevent me from missing the deadline. Regrettably, I was informed that only XXXX handled the affordable housing applications. 

I patiently waited until XXXX PM on XX/XX/XXXX, hoping to hear back from XXXX before submitting my application. Following the submission of my application, I once again contacted XXXX to report the error. However, I did not receive a callback from her. Instead, I received an email a few hours later, stating that my application was under review. I was confident that the capable staff would identify this error and rectify it. 

The following day, I received the disheartening news that my application had been denied. I felt a deep sense of confusion and frustration because I was confident that I met all the qualifications, and I had diligently sought answers to all necessary questions before applying. This incident had a profound impact on my emotional state, causing me to experience a depressive episode. 

Seeking clarification, I promptly contacted XXXX XXXX to understand the reasons behind my denial. It was explained to me that my credit and income did not meet their criteria. I explained the challenges I faced during the application process, particularly my persistent attempts to reach XXXX. In response, I was advised to contact resident verification as they might be able to assist me in rectifying my application. 

I reached out to resident verification, who explained that the application I had submitted was for a standard unit, which required applicants to have an income of XXXX times the rent. This discrepancy was the reason for my initial denial, and I was advised to contact XXXX XXXX directly if I wanted to make any changes. 

In response, I called XXXX XXXX as well as their corporate office to address this issue, emphasizing that it was an error on their part. Unfortunately, I was informed that they were unable to rectify the situation. When I inquired about the possibility of reapplying, I was met with a negative response, as reapplication was not an option. Furthermore, I asked if they could refund my application fee, to which they also declined, stating it was not possible. 

Given the situation, I had no choice but to dispute the charge with my bank. Regrettably, this dispute led to XXXX XXXX placing a collection on my credit report. I've already experienced discrimination and felt scammed by the company, and now these actions are negatively impacting my life.