Bad Credit Agency

How can I get out of having my credit screwed due to my old roommate?

I use to live in a house with a girl and she destroyed the house. The owners had to repaint it and do some repair work. I got a letter in the mail for an amount of $1000 for the damage, although they already had our $1100 deposit. I called to talk to the rental department and they said it was my responsibility to pay for the repairs, and I dont know how I can get my old room mate to see what she has done. She does not like to be confronted and talking to her is like talking to a brick wall. What should I do to stop the rental department from messing up my credit?

Public Comments

1. You can't stop them from messing up your credit if you were a tenant. If you were both tenants then you are jointly and severally liable for the damages. The landlord/management can go after both of you or either one of you for the money owed. Seeing as the landlord/management is seeking payment for damages, as opposed to rent, they will have to get a judgment before reporting to the credit bureaus. The landlord/management can sue either/both of you in Small Claims.
2. since you got the bill then I'm assuming the rent was only in your name, if that is not true then they should have sent her half and you half. Small claims court is the only way you might get the money out of her.
3. This depends on who's name was on the lease? If it was you only then you are out of luck. If it was you and she then you are responsible equally. You could try small claims court to get half out of her but I have found this to be a waste of time because it cost time and money to file in small claims court and it is probably not worth it for such a small amount. Plus these kind of people are usually flakes anyways.
4. The only way to protect your credit is to call the company and make arrangements to start paying the $1K. If they take you to court and get the judgement, it will go on your credit report. Then take her to small claims. Proof will be difficult but if she does a no show you will win by default. Collecting is another matter.