How do I write a good dispute letter for a lease that I broke 5 years ago?

Question

hi. I broke an apartment lease five years ago, due to the fact that I was in an physically and mentally abusive relationship. Since then I've moved on, using p.o. boxes in fear that the corporations would find me and charge me with enormous debt. I have moved to a different state, and sure enough, a credit agency has found me via mail (skip-trace??). The charge is close to $20,000 !!! My first question: Isn't this excessive? Second: I was 21. My boyfriend at the time was 24. He was the first signer on the lease and most forms were addressed to him. Any advice? I am a good renter with a good job, this was a mistake along time ago. Is it an advantage to work with the credit agency, or will they have no sympathy? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Yikes 20k???  What the heck happened to the residence you leased?  To be honest I have never heard of someone being charged that much....must be much more to the story that we arent hearing?

I agree with the other poster,  you need an attorney to get a break out of the 20 grand owed on a broken lease at this point.  Creditors are probably not going to deal with you if you let the debt go for so long.  Its there job to collect the money, and they rarely make deals so get anything in writing if you actually are able to get a settlement without an attorney.    

Answer 2

Consult a lawyer or credit specialist before you talk to the credit agency, you do not want to re-start the statute of limitations on the debt opening up to the credit agency suing you,  

Answer 3

You signed the lease and are subject to "jointly and severally" responsibility for all rent, fines, fees, damages, court costs, interest, etc. What began as probably a maximum $2000 liability (unless boyfriend destroyed the place) has gotten this far.

This company has probably bought the debt for pennies on the dollar and are able to settle if you approach them right. Your best bet is to find a lawyer to look at the facts of the case and offer a settlement, if you are liable.