Consumer complaint received 2025-01-18 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Took or threatened to take negative or legal action — Threatened or suggested your credit would be damaged
Company: Rowland Avenue Management, Inc. A/KA Columbia Debt Recovery, LLC d/b/a Genesis
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
Good afternoon, I am writing to address an apparent debt I owe to a building where I lived and the collection efforts by the agency who represent them. 
I resided at this building for three years, with my last contract signed in XX/XX/XXXX. Due to health issues related to construction work in front of my balcony, I had to break my lease and move out earlier than expected. I was informed by management that I would be responsible for the lease break fee, carpet cleaning fee, and utility fees. I agreed to these terms and paid the amounts requested by the management, which totaled by XX/XX/XXXX. 
Throughout the period from XXXX to XXXX, I attempted to clarify the {$750.00} damage fee that I was allegedly responsible for. I contacted the building multiple times, but they repeatedly stated they had no information regarding the payments and advised me to contact the XXXX company to resolve the issue. When I called XXXX, they informed me that I was responsible for damages to the fridge. According to the building management, the fridge had been broken and needed to be replaced before a new tenant moved in. 
I expressed my willingness to pay for the damages once I understood the specifics of the damage, the maintenance performed, and how the {$750.00} fee was determined. However, I was unable to obtain a clear explanation. They provided a screenshot of a website showing the cost of a new fridge at {$1500.00}, claiming that I would be responsible for half of the cost. When I asked for a damage report, I was told that no report existed. After consulting a real estate attorney, I refused to pay the fee without seeing a proper report detailing the damage. 
On XX/XX/XXXX, I received an email from collection agency, and on XX/XX/XXXX, I contacted them at XXXX p.m. to discuss the debt. Unfortunately, the representative who answered my call was unprofessional and unhelpful. He insisted that I must pay the debt because I had failed to complete the rental inspection list before moving out. When I asked for clarification on why I had not been given a report, his response was that " the report is not necessary, you will have to pay. '' He proceeded to laugh at me for seeking legal advice, implying that paying a lawyer was a waste of money, that it's easier for me to pay for the damage I made. His conduct was disrespectful, and I ended the call feeling frustrated. 
On XX/XX/XXXX, at XXXXXXXX XXXX., I called again, this time speaking with another representative. After providing my account information, he immediately blamed me for not completing the rental inspection list and stated there was nothing I could do. I asked him to allow me to explain the situation, and although he agreed initially, he continually interrupted me and raised his voice. He insisted that I was not entitled to see the damage report and that they were not required to provide one. When I mentioned that the pictures of the fridge showed only water stains but no significant damage, He dismissed this and claimed that dirt and rust were sufficient justification for the fee. I pointed out the discrepancy between his statements and what I had been told by a XXXX from XXXX, who explained that the fridge was broken internally. He became agitated and accused me of being rude, yelling at me and putting me on hold without explanation. The call ended shortly after I was placed on hold. 
These two experiences with this agency have been deeply distressing, and I feel that I am being unjustly pursued for a debt without sufficient documentation. As a result, I filed a formal complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ), as I believe my rights under The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ) have been violated. Specifically, debt collectors are prohibited from using abusive language, making threats, or engaging in behavior that is intended to intimidate or humiliate the debtor. The law also requires them to provide validation information about the debt to allow the debtor to recognize whether the debt is legitimate and how to dispute it. 
Since receiving the first bill, my sole request has been to see a report that clearly explains the nature of the fridge damage, the person responsible for the maintenance, and how the {$750.00} charge was calculated. I have not been provided with this information, nor have I received proof that the pictures of the fridge sent to me were of the fridge in my apartment ( unit XXXX ). I do not believe I should be held responsible for this debt without proper documentation. 
Furthermore, I was shocked to learn on XX/XX/XXXX, that this alleged debt has been reported to my credit, despite my ongoing attempts to resolve this matter. I request your assistance in addressing this issue, as I believe that the debt collection efforts against me are based on incomplete or non-existent documentation. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and resolution.

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief