I moved out of my last abode in July and received a call from collections for $1,273 bill for utilities and renovation costs.

I am going to dispute the bill and know it's probably not going to be successful.

Don't talk to or pay the collection agency other than to get the information on the debt holder. Attorney will probably cost you easily the bill. You can write the demand letter and send it certified mail. The wikihow is pretty decent on this one and then add in the treble damages part here and send certified mail. You may ask counsel if you can send the letter with CC to them for a lower fee, so the landlord knows you have counsel without incurring a bunch of billable hours

https://www.texastenant.org/pdf_files/1037_Demand_Letter_SecDep.pdf

Keeper of The Spirits said:

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Don't talk to or pay the collection agency other than to get the information on the debt holder. Attorney will probably cost you easily the bill. You can write the demand letter and send it certified mail. The wikihow is pretty decent on this one and then add in the treble damages part here and send certified mail. You may ask counsel if you can send the letter with CC to them for a lower fee, so the landlord knows you have counsel without incurring a bunch of billable hours

https://www.texastenant.org/pdf_files/1037_Demand_Letter_SecDep.pdf

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Thanks, Keeper!

I did speak with the collection agency and they are sending the bill with a dispute cover letter.

Should you decide to pay any amount of money you need written agreement from the collector that it will not go on your credit or rental history. Otherwise their is no value in paying

Also might be worth following up with the apartment complex. Why didn't you get a bill prior to this? (rhetorical question)

If you still need help -

I'm always happy to offer a free consultation. 512.800.8000 (just ask for "Tray Gober"



https://www.lgrlawfirm.com/team/attorney-kenneth-p-gober/


Kenneth "Tray" Gober, III
Attorney
LEE, GOBER & REYNA
11940 Jollyville Road, Suite 220 South
Austin, Texas 78759

512-478-8080 (Main)
512-478-8081 (Fax)