I have a apartment collection on my credit reports and I recently sent the CA a DV letter. What they sent me was a copy of the lease that I signed and an account summary or statement that gives a breakdown on everything owed. But near the very bottom of the statement, is says, "Manager's Signature: _________________________________________". There's absolutely no signature at all on the statement. Is this proper validation and can it be good news for me?
Is it accurate? Does it comply with state law? (Hint: Some states require that any amount demanded on moving out for "damages", "repairs", "cleaning", etc., whether charged against security deposits or billed separately, be itemized and provided to the renter in writing within a certain number of days, or the "debt" is not valid. An itemization provided later might not be collectable under state law, assuming the renter could have been provided the itemization in the period required by law.) State law might also require that the landlord attempt to mitigate his damages from breaking a lease, by putting it on the market again. If he failed to do so in a timely manner, he might not be due the full amount thru the end of the lease. Failing to advertize the rental might indicate he had made no effort to mitigate his damages. If he did obtain another renter, he would similarly not be due additional rent thru the end of the lease, assuming it was rented at equal or greater monthly rent. In addition, some leases contain termination clauses that set the amount due on early termination of a lease. Make sure any amount billed is in compliance with the agreed upon terms.
