17 and in debt..? (TEXAS)

[Motok1m]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I am currently 17 and a few months back i rented a video from Hollywood Video. Well it stayed at my friends house and i forgot about it. Later i received a bill from Hollywood video saying if i did not pay the $49.99 immediately they would forward me to a creditor, and thats what they did. So now i have like 3 letter from a creditor asking for the money. Please don't judge me on not paying it back, i am 17 and go to school full time and work full time just to keep up with the bills in my family's house. My question is simply if i am liable for the payment, as they have said it will effect my credit, which i don't have yet.

[FlyingRon]

It's certainly not helping it. Why don't you return the video and just pay the late fees.

[draygnmage]

They're currently charging you the cost of the video. Either pay what is owed for it and keep the movie or call them and ask how much you'll owe if you can return the video. Being underage, just means that they can't really sic a 3rd party agency on you. (They'll let it pick up interest until you're 18 *then* go after you.)

One of the requirements for a valid contract is competence.

Competence
Competence to make a contract means the legal capacity to make a contract. Generally, people are ruled competent to make contracts if they are over 18 years of age and of sound mind.

A minor (usually, a person under 18 years of age) who makes a contract can rescind or void it, with one general exception. A minor contracting for "necessities" is bound to pay for their reasonable value. A "necessity" can be food or shelter but, depending upon the law of the particular state, it may also include a car or other item. A minor who rescinds a contract gets back whatever the other party received from the minor.

Send them a Certified Letter Rescinding the contract because you are a minor and request all of your rental fees that you paid to them be returned.