	AllExperts > Collections Law
	Search

About Regan Shinski
Expertise
I can answer questions on collections, repossessions, bankruptcy, credit repair, credit counseling, FICO scores, credit planning, and the cause and effect of credit related decisions. I can also answer questions on collection settlements and preparing to sue your creditors for false debts and credit credit reporting.

Experience
Fifteen years ago I was financially devasted due to severe health issues. I filed bankruptcy, had a foreclosure, car repossession, tax lien, and ruined credit. I immersed myself in credit law. I settled dozens of accounts and had them removed to improve my credit. I personally sued four creditors and collection agencies and won cash settlements for their false reporting on my credit reports. Since then, I have completely recovered and have nearly $100,000 in revolving credit lines and perfect credit. I have owned a credit repair company for the past five years and have an additional three years of specific work in the collections and debt management industry. I am fully versed in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Acts (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and have used them successfully in collection settlements and lawsuits for myself and others. I am also familiar with and abide by the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA). I have deleted or helped delete literally hundreds and hundreds of derogatory items from consumers' credit reports and helped negotiate many settlements with collection agencies and creditors. I have also advised people on bankruptcy at any stage. In the current credit market, I have successfully advised numerous people on how to obtain credit and how to negotiate for better terms.

Education/Credentials
BA University of Minnesota

You are here: Experts > Business > Corporate Law > Collections Law > no notice

Collections Law - no notice

Expert: Regan Shinski - 11/13/2009

Question
My wife and I left our apartment complex in July and moved. We gave a forwarding address to the apartment complex and everything. We were never told that we would have to pay for any "carpet damages and replacement". We received a collections notice today (November). Can this happen if no contact has been given? The residence is in the state of Washington. I didn't know if State laws mattered. An unexpected $650 bill is quite a surprise.

Answer
Hello George:

If it is as you say, it appears your landlord is in error and you should be entitled to a complete refund of your deposit.

Washington law basically says the landlord has 14 days after a tenant moves out to return a deposit, or give a written explanation of why it (or any part of it) was not refunded. If a landlord does not comply, the full amount of the deposit must be refunded to the tenant, regardless of any claims by the landlord that the tenant is not entitled to a refund.

I don't live in Washington, but pretty quickly found these information sources (including Washington State Bar Association) at the following two sites, so I feel fairly comfortable in its accuracy:

http://www.wsba.org/media/publications/pamphlets/landlord-tenant.htm
http://www.ezlandlordforms.com/articles/washington_state_landlord_tenant_law_and...

Of course, they are likely to say they sent you notice. Landlords generally have a higher burden of proof in cases like this, so if you have your evidence and solid testimony you can win in court. Although it can work, try to have more than a "he said, she said" type of case if possible.

Good luck. I hope you get it back!

Regan
mbscompany@aim.com

Add to this Answer Ask a Question