Can a landlord send me to collections?

Yes—if you owe unpaid rent, damages, or fees the landlord believes are lawful, they may assign the debt to a collection agency or sue. People also ask can I sue my landlord for sending me to collections if the debt is wrong or inflated—you may dispute inaccurate reporting or pursue FDCPA claims against third-party collectors for violations, and potentially other claims if fraud or lease breaches are involved. ^[1][2] Credit impact Collections tradelines can harm credit scores until they age off under the FCRA (often seven years from delinquency for many items). FDCPA rights Debt collectors must validate debt and avoid false, threatening, or harassing conduct. ^[1] Disputing Request validation, dispute credit report errors with bureaus, and keep proof of payment or habitability defenses. Suing the landlord If the landlord fabricated charges, you might counterclaim in an eviction or sue in small claims depending on facts—not automatic just because collection occurred. ^[1][2]