Consumer complaint received 2023-09-03
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Electronic communications — You told them to stop contacting you, but they keep trying
Company: National Credit Systems,Inc. (AL)

On XX/XX/XXXX, I discovered a notice on my door from the XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, alleging that I was past due by approximately {$3000.00} in rent. This notice was perplexing, as I had not received any prior communication regarding late fees or a rent increase. I'd like to emphasize that I consistently paid my rent, either through the apartment portal or by money order, adhering to the agreed-upon amount of {$810.00} as stipulated in my lease contract. 

Before XXXX, I encountered some payment issues and promptly informed XXXX XXXX, whom I met in person at the office. I explained that there had been an error in my paycheck by the United States XXXX XXXX XXXX department, which might result in a delay in rent payment. XXXX kindly assured me that she would waive any late fees due to this unforeseen hardship. 

However, when I received the notice, I visited the office to seek clarification. XXXX presented statements indicating that we owed a differential amount based on a new rate. I requested evidence of any prior notices or letters regarding the rent increase or late fees, but she couldn't provide any. According to the law, eviction notices must be written and served, which never happened in my case. My husband and I had informed the leasing office that we would be relocating due to PCS orders and XXXX orders, scheduled for XXXX. 

Furthermore, it's important to note that a landlord can not evict a servicemember or their dependents from their primary residence without a court order, and the court has the authority to adjust lease obligations to protect the interests of both parties ( XXXX XXXX. ). 

I believe that the leasing office 's actions violated our rights as service members and were not in compliance with the law. They also sold the debt to a third-party collection agency, despite having written it off as a charge-off, resulting in the collection agency attempting to collect the debt. This has had a negative impact on my credit, and I request that the collection be removed and compensation for the damages incurred. 

Additionally, the leasing office failed to return our security deposit and did not provide an itemized list of deductions within the required 60 days, which they are now two years late in doing. I have provided documentation, including my lease, to demonstrate that no notice was ever given regarding a rent increase or accumulating late fees due to our hardships or deployment.

In summary, I am seeking resolution for these issues, including the removal of the collection, compensation for damages, and the return of our security deposit with the required itemized list of deductions. These actions were taken in violation of our rights as service members under the SCRA, and I believe it is essential to rectify these matters appropriately. I also took the initiative to attach complaints and better business bureau rating from other residents who have been discriminated against or have issues with the leasing office administration.