Hi!
My partner recently ended the lease on an apartment early and lined up a lease takeover. The lease end date was confirmed for 7/31, and they briefly inquired about extending to 8/3 but decided against it. This was all confirmed in writing.
Now, property management is stating that lease end date is 8/3 and charging them $115 prorated rent. My partner does not want to pay because they turned in the keys on 7/31, which is documented, but is worried this will have a negative impact on their credit if the bill goes to collections.
Will it really have that big of an impact? My partner has great credit and is not in major debt besides student loans which they pay monthly.
Thanks in advance for advice!
Posted by livjf
2 Comments
A credit hit is a credit hit.
7 years of a non payment mark or 115 bucks is an easy choice.
And the paperwork rules when the lease ends, not when you turn in keys.
Here’s what I’d do:
1. Start nice. “Hey I think there was a miscommunication, we didn’t formally agree to extend the lease end date. Can you please review your records and correct your billing?”
2. Be more explicit. “We have [whatever evidence you have in writing] stating that we did not agree to this, and will not be paying the $115. Please remove the incorrect charges.”
3. If they won’t budge, just pay the $115. Yes it sucks, but it can affect your credit. Doesn’t matter that it’s a low dollar amount. I am not risking a credit hit over such a small amount, and it’s definitely not worth hiring a lawyer over. If it’s a corporate landlord then you can also write a bad review if it makes you feel better.