Consumer complaint received 2018-01-10
Product: Debt collection — Other debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Collectibles Management Resources (CA)

On XXXX XXXX, 2015, I moved out of my apartment at XXXX XXXX XXXX at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX in XXXX, CA. Upon notifying the Assistant Manager, XXXX XXXX, that I would be departing ( over 30 days in advance ), I scheduled a pre-move-out inspection, citing my desire to spend as much time as necessary cleaning the apartment before handing over the keys so as to receive as much of my security deposit as possible. XXXX conducted this inspection herself. She noted that there would be some basic touch-up painting needed but that so long as the carpets were shampooed and everything was cleaned and dusted, I had no reason to expect any surprises. I was assured that I could expect the bulk of my {$500.00} security deposit returned and that I would receive a copy of the notes, but the notes were never provided. I moved all my belongings out and then spent two days cleaning, dusting, shampooing the carpets, etc. for an apartment that I was only in for seven months and that was originally leased to me with junk in the cabinets, food stuck to the floor and dust everywhere in sight. I even paid a professional cleaning service {$100.00} to assist me with cleaning before handing over the keys ( I still have the receipt ). Once everything was moved out and cleaned, I went to the front office for a final move-out inspection. This time, no permanent staff members were available. The woman that did the inspection told me she worked for the parent company, XXXX XXXX, and she stated that it was one of the cleanest apartments she 's ever seen during a move-out inspection and that I should have no problem getting my security deposit back. I reviewed her notes and I agreed with everything she wrote. I asked for a copy of this and I was told I would receive one in the mail soon. I never did, but two to three weeks later I was notified by XXXX XXXX that I would not be receiving any of my security deposit back and that I owed them {$97.00} on top of it. The notes included a map of XXXX stains on the carpet that were entirely inaccessible to my emotional support animal because my large sectional couch and my queen-sized bed completely covered the majority of the areas listed and she was crate trained. The documentation provided the notes of the employee that performed the final move-out inspection, but something was added that was not there before, and it was in completely different handwriting. It stated, " STRONG XXXX SMELL. '' There was never any mention of XXXX during either of the inspections. Additionally, XXXX XXXX, also from the parent company, admitted in writing that a mistake was made calculating the painting fees and thus reduced the amount owed by {$50.00} from {$97.00} to {$47.00}. XXXX XXXX XXXX also charged a {$40.00} deposit for a gate opener ( clicker ) for the entrance and refused to return that to me, stating that they had no record of my deposit and determined that the only explanation for this was that they must have given it to me without charging me and that without a receipt, they would not return that deposit either. They informed me of this after I already returned the clicker, so I essentially paid for it and and they got to keep it. I stated that this type of management was unacceptable and that I would be taking them to small claims court over the security deposits. After some time passed, I determined it was not worth the time and stress to pursue it. Several months later, I noticed there was a derogatory mark over a collection on my credit report. The amount totaled over {$100.00}, which was higher than even the original amount owed ( {$97.00} ) and much higher than the " adjusted '' amount, provided by XXXX XXXX ( {$47.00} ). I was never notified that this would be submitted to collections and end up on my credit report nor was I notified when it was submitted to collections and it appeared on my credit report. It was not even listed at the correct amount. I later needed help my girlfriend get an apartment and was informed by her complex that I would not be able to sign a lease until I could provide them proof that I paid Collectibles Management Resources in full. Upset, I went to Collectibles Management Resources, who charged even more than {$120.00}. I paid in cash and received a receipt to send to my girlfriend 's soon-to-be property managers. Nearly a year later, this still shows as open on my credit report.