Consumer complaint received 2025-11-20 00:00:00
Product: Debt collection — Rental debt
Issue: False statements or representation — Attempted to collect wrong amount
Company: FAIR COLLECTIONS & OUTSOURCING, INC.
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am disputing an alleged rental debt that XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX forwarded to XXXX XXXX. The balance is inaccurate and includes charges that are unlawful under Texas Property Code 92.10492.109. 

My tenancy at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ended on XX/XX/XXXX. Before moving out, the property acknowledged in writing that I had overpaid my final months rent by {$360.00}, yet this amount was never refunded. My {$400.00} security deposit was also withheld and applied to cleaning, painting, and carpet charges that represent ordinary wear and tear, not tenant-caused damage. Under Texas law, landlords can not deduct these items from a security deposit. 

Equity Residential also billed me for utilities after my lease ended, which I do not owe. They then claimed I owed an additional balance and forwarded this incorrect amount to XXXX XXXX 

I disputed the debt in writing with XXXX and requested full validation. XXXX response did not meet FDCPA validation requirements. They did not provide : A copy of my signed lease Proof that XXXX XXXX  authorized them to collect this debt Evidence that I caused any damage beyond normal wear Receipts or invoices tied specifically to my unit Documentation showing my rent overpayment was credited Documentation showing my security deposit was handled legally Any explanation connecting the invoices to the charges they claim I owe The photos and inspection materials provided show only routine cleaning needs, not damage. Nothing supports the charges assessed. 

In addition, there are concerns about the legitimacy of the move-out inspection itself. The inspection report is signed by XXXX, but the hand and appearance of the person shown in multiple inspection photos appear to belong to XXXX, a maintenance employee I previously had issues with during my tenancy due to rude behavior and refusal to complete needed repairs. This inconsistency raises doubts about who actually performed the inspection and whether it was conducted fairly. 

Furthermore, when I returned my keys on XX/XX/XXXX, I specifically requested a final walk-through, which the on-site staff refused to conduct. This prevented me from seeing or addressing any items they later charged me for and is inconsistent with a fair and transparent inspection process. 

I also have documented emails from XX/XX/XXXX, shortly after move-in, showing that I reported multiple pre-existing defects in the unit ( peeling doors, paint issues, construction imperfections ). These issues existed long before move-out and were acknowledged by management. Despite this, the move-out charges include items that relate to these pre-existing problems, which is improper and unlawful under Texas landlord-tenant law. 

Given these issues, the alleged debt is not valid, was not properly validated, and should not have been sent to collections. 

I am requesting CFPB intervention to : Require XXXX XXXX to cease all collection activity, Ensure the alleged debt is not reported to any credit bureau, Require that the alleged debt be removed entirely, Require XXXX XXXX to remove all improper charges, Require XXXX XXXX to refund my {$360.00} rent overpayment and refund my {$400.00} security deposit that was wrongfully withheld. 

I can provide copies of the move-out inspection, the Statement of Deposit, the ledger, the XX/XX/XXXX email documenting pre-existing issues, the XXXX response packet, and my dispute correspondence.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation