Three years later apartments demanding more money after I vacated.

[l1nz]

Utah SLC
Today I find on my doorstep papers from a litigation law office summoning me to file w/ a clerk a written answer to this case from an apartment complex I lived at 3 years ago. I have lived in 3 other addresses since then and I have no idea why they waited until now to contact me.

So they say I owe them about $1200. They say I lived there in June, I actually paid up any fees and moved out of there in May. I didn't even receive my deposit for reasons I will explain.
My roommate was an idiot and I had to pay their portion of rent for months. Because I asked for it they trashed a few of my things, used my towel as restroom toilet paper. I wanted out of this place for several reasons but mostly because I couldn't afford paying their portion of rent. I went to my apartment management and asked them how I could leave the property. The lady management had me turn in the keys. She said we were all through and she would follow up with my roommate. Luckily my friend was with me at the time so I have a witness to testify that this actually occurred. I just wanted out of the situation so I did not even collect my deposit.
I believe the reason they think I owe them is maybe that roommate actually stayed a month later but since I have had no further contact with them I'm unsure. I do not want to contact that person and find out.
This case I feel is completely unjust because I followed managements requirements; paid up, returned my keys, left early and was told there was nothing further I needed to do. If there was some paper I needed to sign then they should have let me know when I asked them with my witness standing there. I do not believe in stealing from people and if I'm forced to pay this that is exactly what they will be doing to me. I'm unsure if I should even answer such a summons or give them any contact information. Please advise...

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

What state did this take place in?

Gail

 

[l1nz]

Utah, Salt Lake City

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

I was hoping perhaps the statute of limitations had run out for these folks to file against you. However, it hadn't:

http://credit.about.com/od/statuteoflimitations/g/utsol.htm

It would have been good to get the agreement that you could vacate the rental unit early in writing with your signature plus the signature of the apartment manager. Three years is a long time and that particular manager may no longer be there.

You do, however, have a witness to management agreeing to this. Hopefully you are still in contact with your friend.

You need to file an answer with the clerk of court (before the deadline stated in the paperwork) denying that you owe this $1200. The next step should be a hearing where both sides can present their case as to whether this money is owed or not. You would bring your friend who was present then to this hearing as a witness for you.

Make sure that you file your answer before the deadline stated in the paperwork and attend the hearing; if you don't do both judgement will automatically be given to the other side.

Gail