Stop Apartment Debt Collectors & Fight Eviction Judgments in Texas
Dealing with aggressive apartment debt collectors or facing the aftermath of an eviction judgment can be one of the most stressful experiences a Texas consumer faces. You are not alone, and you do not have to fight this battle by yourself.
At Cannon Legal PLLC, we specialize in defending the rights of Texas tenants and consumers. We leverage powerful state and federal laws—including the Texas Debt Collection Act (TDCA) and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)—to stop harassment, resolve debt issues, and protect your housing future.
Are Apartment Debt Collectors Violating Your Rights?
Apartment landlords and third-party collection agencies that pursue unpaid rent or fees after you move out must abide by strict laws. If you are experiencing any of the following, Cannon Legal PLLC can step in immediately:
- Aggressive or Harassing Calls/Letters: Being subjected to profanity, threats, or repeated calls outside legal hours is a violation of the FDCPA and TDCA.
- Improper Legal Threats: Threatening to seize property, garnish wages for consumer debt, or arrest you (which is illegal for most consumer debts in Texas).
- False or Misleading Information: The collector misrepresents the amount of debt you owe or fails to disclose that the communication is from a debt collector.
- Inaccurate Credit Reporting: The debt collector is reporting incorrect information about the apartment debt to the credit bureaus or tenant screening services.
We can send a Cease and Desist Letter to immediately demand an end to harassing communications.
How We Help Texas Consumers Fight Back
Our experienced consumer protection attorneys are dedicated to finding a fair and favorable resolution for your housing-related debt issues.
1. Stopping Harassment and Collections
- Enforce Your Rights: We utilize the TDCA and FDCPA to stop illegal collection practices by landlords or collection agencies.
- Cease Communication: We send formal letters to demand that debt collectors stop contacting you directly.
2. Defending Against Eviction Lawsuits
- Respond to the Suit: We assist in properly preparing and filing an “Original Answer” in Justice Court to prevent a devastating default judgment.
- Challenge Procedure: We review your case to ensure the landlord followed all proper legal steps, including providing the required written notice to vacate.
- Assert Defenses & Counterclaims: If the landlord breached the lease (e.g., by failing to make necessary repairs), we can use this as a defense against eviction or as a counterclaim.
3. Resolving Apartment Debt & Judgments
- Negotiation and Settlement: We negotiate with the landlord or collection agency to explore payment plans or settlements for outstanding debt.
- Credit/Rental Report Cleanup: We seek to settle the debt with a removal of the account from your rental and credit reports as part of the agreement.
- Lease Review: We review your lease agreements for potentially unfair, unlawful, or problematic terms that the landlord may be trying to enforce.
Texas Apartment Debt Collection FAQ’s
You have the right to send a written cease communication letter to the debt collector under the FDCPA and TDCA. Once received, they can only contact you to confirm they are stopping contact or to notify you of a specific legal action.
Generally, no. In Texas, a landlord must follow a formal eviction process through the court, including giving a notice to vacate, to legally remove a tenant.
Yes, an eviction lawsuit that results in a judgment can appear on your rental report. Additionally, unpaid apartment debt that goes to collections can negatively impact your credit score. We advise on these potential impacts and explore defenses.
You must immediately file a written answer with the Justice Court by the deadline on the citation. Failing to file an answer can result in a default judgment against you.
Don’t Let Apartment Debt Define Your Future.
If you are struggling with apartment debt collection or an eviction judgment, our legal team at Cannon Legal PLLC is ready to help you understand your options and fight for a fair resolution. We cut through the legal jargon and ensure your tenant rights are protected under Texas law.
Contact Cannon Legal PLLC today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you regain control and protect your housing and financial well-being
