Former Tenant Recovers Statutory Damages Against Bill Collector Attempting to Collect Bogus Back Rent.

Online, April 26, 2010 (Newswire.com) - NEW YORK, NY-Many tenants vacate apartments leaving behind thousands of dollars in back rent. There are a large number of people who do not fit into this mold. They either keep up their rent to the end or vacate their apartments on a condition of a waiver of all back rent. Yet, there is a growing number of bill collectors who will pursue these honest tenants in the hopes of intimidating them to pay rent which they legally do not owe.

Such is the case of a Sylvester Gregg, a former Brooklyn resident. Mr. Gregg resided on St. Marks Avenue for almost twenty years. He was forced out of his apartment by his landlord who is currently converting the prime located building into co-op and luxury housing. Although the Mr. Gregg usually paid his rent on time, the agreement to vacate the apartment contained a standard clause waiving any rent the tenant may have possibly owed to date.

Much to his surprise, Mr. Gregg received a collection letter demanding several thousands of dollars in back rent. He immediately, contacted Abel L. Pierre, Esq. an attorney who handles a variety of debt collection abuse and harassment cases.

Via the filing of a federal lawsuit under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), Mr. Pierre recovered a cancellation of the false debt, statutory damages and attorney's fees on behalf of his client. Thankfully, because of powerful laws invoked by this case, Mr. Pierre was able to provide this service without charging his client a single dime in upfront legal fees.