I was a tennant in a complex in Georgia. I moved out and signed the move out inspection on 1/25/08. I was not given any estimate of the charges but there were some damages mentioned in the inspection that I signed. I asked to have the invoices and charges sent to me and gave them a forwarding address. I have moved to California for a new job.
I did not receive anything from the landlord and on 5/1/08 I got a call from a collection agency that the landlord is filing a collection claim for $250 to cover for the damage to which the security deposit was not enough. I sent a certified letter to my landlord asking them to send me details about the damages and costs of repair. They faxed me back the move out inspection and a statement containing a break down of the charges (no actual invoice though). The date on the statement said 02/29/08, which is more than one month from my more out date.
I have read the Georgia law about security deposit and if I understood correctly, I am entitled to three times the amount of the security deposit because the landlord did not send me the damage statement within one month. Is my understanding correct? How do I take them to small claims court when I am in California and they are in Georgia? How do I remove the collection from my credit report?
please advise
I did not receive anything from the landlord and on 5/1/08 I got a call from a collection agency that the landlord is filing a collection claim for $250 to cover for the damage to which the security deposit was not enough. I sent a certified letter to my landlord asking them to send me details about the damages and costs of repair. They faxed me back the move out inspection and a statement containing a break down of the charges (no actual invoice though). The date on the statement said 02/29/08, which is more than one month from my more out date.
I have read the Georgia law about security deposit and if I understood correctly, I am entitled to three times the amount of the security deposit because the landlord did not send me the damage statement within one month. Is my understanding correct? How do I take them to small claims court when I am in California and they are in Georgia? How do I remove the collection from my credit report?
please advise
