Our Success Stories
Member contacted our office after receiving a debt collection letter. Member stated her former home was sold through a pre-foreclosure sale (short sale), which the mortgage servicer agreed to. The attorney reviewed member’s documents and confirmed through the Georgia Superior Courts Clerks Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) that the short sale took place. The attorney offered to write a dispute letter for member, but member stated she had previously sent a letter on her own. Member wanted to know what her options were since it was still showing up on her credit report. The attorney advised member to file a report with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Shortly thereafter, member contacted our office and advised that the opposing party had responded to CFPB and agreed that the debt could not be collected. Savings to member, $51,106.06.
Member contacted our office for assistance cancelling a contract for two timeshare properties in Florida. Member and his wife purchased their first timeshare unit in 2017, and a second unit in 2018. Both purchases were financed. Member and his wife were recently appointed legal guardians of their grandchildren, which caused their financial circumstances to change significantly, and they can no longer afford the loan payments. Our attorney wrote a letter to the ownership resort and explained members’ new responsibilities and the change in their financial situation, and requested that the resort accept the deed to each property in lieu of foreclosure. The resort agreed to the request and members executed a release agreement. Savings for members, $35,177.76.
Member contacted our office for assistance regarding an issue he was having with a property management company. Member contracted with a company to manage his rental property. When the tenants moved out, member was notified that his property had been extensively damaged beyond normal wear-and-tear. Member stated that the property management company did not properly perform the move-out inspection as they were contracted to do. The attorney reviewed member’s contract with the management company and explained that it states in part, “…Owner shall indemnify and hold Manager harmless from any and all claims that may arise related to the security deposit, move-out inspection….” The attorney suggested, instead, sending a demand letter to the former tenants for the cost of the repairs. In response to our letter, member received payment for the repairs. Amount recovered, $2,808.00.
Member contacted our office for assistance obtaining a refund of money being held in a merchant services app. Member had an account with a payment app that included the ability for individuals, organizations, and business owners to use a unique username to send and receive money. The company closed member’s account allegedly due to suspicious activity. Member was told that once the hold on his account was released, he could deposit the funds into his bank account. Despite his repeated requests for assistance, the company failed to re-open the account. Our attorney wrote a letter demanding a refund of the balance remaining in the account by allowing him to transfer the funds, or by remitting payment via certified funds. In response to our letter, member received a full refund in the amount of $1,921.00.
Member contacted our office for assistance with an issue she was having with her Homeowners Association. Member was assessed a fine for violating the “no tenants” policy. Member advised that she does live there herself but works for an airline and travels a lot, so she has a roommate to keep an eye on her house while she is away from home. The attorney wrote a letter to the HOA explaining member’s situation of traveling for work frequently and having a roommate who lives in the property due to safety concerns. In response to our letter, the management company removed the fine for the violation. Savings to member, $199.00.
Member contacted our office for assistance regarding an employment issue. Member is a broker at a real estate firm. Member is in his late 60’s, and his wife has a compromised immune system, but his employer will not allow him to work from home even though he is in a higher risk category for complications should he contract COVID-19. The attorney consulted with member and offered the following options: (1) request reasonable accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA); (2) provide medical documentation and request leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); or (3) apply for short-term or long-term disability through his employer’s benefits program. The attorney also advised member that if he does get sick, the U.S. Department of Labor requires an employer to pay 80-hours of paid sick leave under the CARES Act, which expires on December 31, 2020. Resource provided: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic
Member contacted our office with questions about a landlord/tenant issue. Member has a month-to-month rental agreement for a shared living space. Her landlord apprised her of safety protocols in shared living spaces and told member she will be evicted if she becomes ill with COVID-19. Member wanted to know her options. The attorney discussed member’s rights as a tenant (as opposed to a guest or lodger) and although her landlord cannot just “kick her out,” she is allowed to promulgate house rules. The attorney advised member that she may choose to abide by the rules, or not, but if she does not, she may put herself at risk for eviction. Her landlord would have to go through the formal eviction process: give notice, wait for the notice to expire, and then file a dispossessory action seeking eviction.