Consumer complaint received 2025-06-30 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: Written notification about debt — Didn't receive enough information to verify debt
Company: Rowland Avenue Management, Inc. A/KA Columbia Debt Recovery, LLC d/b/a Genesis
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint because Columbia Debt Recovery LLC dba Genesis is attempting to collect a debt that I believe is not properly validated, and they are engaging in unfair, deceptive, and potentially unlawful practices under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ( FDCPA ). 

The situation began when management at XXXX XXXX XXXX recommended that we move to a different unit due to a downstairs neighbors false noise complaints. They assured us that the only change would be the apartment unit itself not the terms of the lease. Trusting their word, we signed the new lease without closely reviewing it. Later, we discovered that the lease term had actually been extended by XXXX months. Because management staff at XXXX XXXX changed so frequently, we were unable to locate the person who had made that verbal promise. We do, however, have a voicemail from XXXX XXXX confirming that the transfer was suggested due to the neighbor complaint. 

Unfortunately, the new apartment was in unacceptable condition from the start. There was grass growing inside the master bedroom, which had to be removed by maintenance. The unit had not been properly cleaned prior to move-in. Throughout the property, trash was overflowing, the grounds were poorly maintained, and there were frequent car thefts in the parking areas. Management failed to address these issues, and they contributed significantly to the decision to move out. 

Most importantly, the unit also had serious mold problems. From the time of move-in, mold was found in various areas including the HVAC system, closets, and walls. Rather than fully remediating the issue, management either wiped down moldy surfaces with XXXX or cut out small affected areas without identifying the source. They later placed a humidity remover in the apartment to control moisture, but it was ineffective. And we had to remove gallons on the daily for the machine to work. Over time, the mold returned and continued to spread. These unsafe conditions directly affected health and well-being. 

While still living there, a XXXX son developed XXXX XXXX and respiratory symptoms. It is believed these were caused by mold exposure, and there is clinic paperwork documenting the symptoms and treatment. These environmental hazards made the apartment uninhabitable, yet XXXX is attempting to collect the full balance of the lease as if no issues had occurred. 

After moving out, emails were received from XXXX offering payment plans and settlement discounts on the alleged debt. However, when a call was made to discuss these offers, it was stated that no resolution would be offered unless a financial hardship program was completed. This required submission of detailed personal and financial information before any discussion of settlement or payment plans even though specific offers had already been sent in writing without such requirements. 

The personal information request was declined, and a full debt validation was requested under federal law. In response, XXXX only provided a copy of the lease agreement and a basic summary of charges. They did not provide any supporting documentation no receipts, invoices, photos, or breakdowns of charges for cleaning, rekeying, or damages. Under the FDCPA ( 15 USC 1692g ), this is not proper debt validation. A vague summary without proof is inadequate. 

A recorded call also exists in which a XXXX representative stated that without submitting personal information for the hardship program, no settlement would be offered, and legal action would proceed. This is coercive and contradicts prior written offers, indicating a pattern of deceptive and unfair conduct. It appears the intent behind the hardship program may be to gather information for legal action rather than to genuinely assist with financial hardship. 

A good faith offer was submitted to settle the debt for {$1000.00}, which was declined. Considering the unsafe living conditions, improper lease handling, lack of maintenance, and invalid collection practices, it is believed the debt should be deleted entirely. 

This situation has caused severe stress and negatively impacted credit. The tactics used by XXXX are unfair and emotionally damaging. This is a request for protection, closure, and accountability. Their methods are misleading, and it is believed their insistence on obtaining personal financial information is a tactic intended to prepare for litigation not to help resolve the account. 

We respectfully ask the CFPB to investigate this matter

Company response to consumer: Closed with non-monetary relief