In Slight Freak Out Mode ... HELP

[herekitty]

I'm in slight freak out mode with this whole apartment thing and the lawyer is not available today!

Quick rundown - I went to my leasing company last month to see if I could get out of my renewal that starts on 9/1. They said no, that I'd have to sign a re-rental agreement and pay $700 a month until it gets rented or they would take me to court for eviction, etc. Of course, my dad then offered me to move into his place at $350 a month in the basement to save some cash.

Went to my lawyer who said it was no big deal, we'll role it into the bankruptcy - i'll lose the security deposit but I won't have to pay extra. Move out, send keys back with letter explaining bankruptcy and his information (*Note: papers NOT filed yet, waiting on call to come and sign sometime this week). I informed him I would be leaving by the 15th. Got all moved out this weekend and of course shut off the electricity by end of month. Well, electricity company sent a letter to the apartment offices of the notice to shut off electricity. They called me and are freaking out because of the damn renewal.

I was going to send the keys back tonight via certified mail, should I explain the situation over the phone? Won't they be able to start eviction preceedings now and I'll be screwed because I'm not filed? Does this mean that they can come after me for the remaining rent? I haven't paid rent yet per my attorney's advice ...

Thanks!

[Pinktiger]

Chill.

What can they do to you? You are already out of there.
Your lawyer was right, the amount you owe will be rolled in to the BK.
Quit letting them scare you, and just relax.

[Miyamoto]

I wouldn't worry either, especially since you are already moved out. Even though you aren't filed yet, you are close enough that even if they try to take you to court, you will have a case number by then and they are SOL. Your lawyer is including in the bankruptcy and the automatic stay once you are filed will stop any collection efforts, plus if your security deposit is listed with your assets, odds are they won't get it either if the trustee seizes it. I'd just go the certified mail route as then you can have better evidence of your contact with them and odds are if you call them they will harrass and threaten you. That seems to be the main tactic bill collectors use. They know you are already stressed so they make things worse with their scare tactics. I'm just glad I was current so didn't have to deal with that as some of the stories I've heard make some of these bill collectors sound downright evil. Good luck.

[herekitty]

Deep breath taken.

I'm feeling better now - I'm try so hard to not screw this thing up! THanks for the advice, I'm breathing better now ...

[Miyamoto]

That's good to hear, don't let those creditors stress you out anymore than the whole process already does.