Old Debt

[gginwis]

What is the name of your state? WISCONSIN

I received a letter from our local housing authority advising me that they are joining the tax intercept program and they are submitting a debt I owe them from 23 years ago to be paid.

I contacted them and advised them that they must have incorrect information, but they state when I moved out of a residence 23 years ago the landlord stated he had a lease with me and I broke the lease and he was not able to rent the home right away. (then why did he return my full security deposit) I never had a lease, we were a word of mouth, month to month, agreement, but after 23 years I do not have this paperwork and this is the first that they ever advised me that I owe them money. This was never listed on any credit report, etc If they would have said something when this first happened I could produce paper work and dispute this. Now what do I do, just pay it because who keeps paperwork for this long.

Thanks for any idea's

Geri
From Wisconsin

 

[Ladynred]

Clarification please ...

How is it that the housing authority is involved with this ??

The landlord, in MOST situations, would not be able to pursue such a dinosaur debt - there is a statute of limitations on ALL debts - and even in WI that expired long ago. That means he could no longer legally sue you to collect on it.

Now, this housing authority's involvement could put a twist in it, since its either a state or federal agency - that's why my question.

 

[gginwis]

old debt

Sorry for not putting this in

The Housing authority had a program with landlords back then that they would help with the rent if you were working and had to pay for child care. I signed up on this program and I paid part of the rent and they paid the remainder.

When I moved out my landlord advised the Housing authority that he did not have the place rented and I was under a lease so they paid him for one month (their portion). He never requested my part of the rent, nor did the Housing Authority advise that he requested this amount. Seems strange but even though my children were young they remember people moving in while we were moving out, but I haven't any proof.

So I was on a program with the Housing Authority, Housing Authority paid the landlord, and now want repayment after 23 years.

I do not have a problem paying them this amount if I owe it, but to have this sprung on me now when I would have had evidence back then to prove he was not entitled to this just makes me mad because after 23 years there isn't anything.

Thanks


Geri

 

[Ladynred]

23 years is huge - and ridiculous. I would still think there would be SOME statute of limitations even for the housing authority. Have they any proof ?? Probably not.. I'd be willing to bet they have no more records than YOU do after all this time.

I'll have a look at WI statutes and see if I can find anything.
Have you tried consulting with a lawyer -- I certainly would.

Are they adding 23 years worth of interest too ?? This just seems ridiculous.

 

[bigun]

Contact your Congressional Rep. about this problem. I'm like LIR, 23 years and no proof seems out of bounds.