ex-roommates,eviction, paying off collection agency

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

A few years ago I got an apartment with two roommates. Eventually one of them left, the other couldn't pay rent, and I sure wasn't going to pay all the rent on my own. So we got evicted, ofcourse. The collection agency wont let me pay off 1/3 of what we owe and get it off my credit. I don't know where the other two are to try and talk to them and get them to pay their part. How do I go about getting this resolved? I just want each of us to pay a third of it and make it go away!

Pay the bill , but it won't be taken off your credit report completely . It will just be marked as paid .

When you rent and your name along with the others is listed as a tenant , you are all liable jointly and individually responsible .

That is the Landlord/owner can seek damages from all or one .

Years ago and no whereabouts ,means you can't even sue your other room-mates .

Sorry , if you want credit reports marked paid ,you'll have to pay the amount .

You could try negotiating with the landlord to pay a lesser amount and get it in writing ,and have him/her file the Judgment as satisfied.

Then present that info to the CRAs.

Sorry, but...

AW2142 said:

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

A few years ago I got an apartment with two roommates. Eventually one of them left, the other couldn't pay rent, and I sure wasn't going to pay all the rent on my own. So we got evicted, ofcourse. The collection agency wont let me pay off 1/3 of what we owe and get it off my credit. I don't know where the other two are to try and talk to them and get them to pay their part. How do I go about getting this resolved? I just want each of us to pay a third of it and make it go away!

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The LL didn't get a judgment for 1/3 of the amount you want to pay, he got one for the full judgment on the unpaid rent.

Its called joint liability, and each one of the 3 roommates could individually be held liable for the full rent at any point.

I find it highly unlikely that the LL will accept just 1/3 of the judgment from you. He wants his money - ALL of it. It just so happens thay YOU are the only one he has found or that he is able to collect it from.

I hate to say it, but this is going to remain your full liability and damage your credit until you pay all THREE thirds of it off.