Landlord and rent collections
Collection agency for landlords and property managers.
Former tenants who left owing rent, damages or fees can be hard to reach. We match landlords and property managers with agencies and attorneys experienced in residential and commercial rental debt.
Residential vs. commercial tenants
Residential rent owed by an individual is a consumer debt, so collectors must comply with the FDCPA, Regulation F and state law, and the agency may need a license in the tenant's state. Commercial lease balances owed by a business follow commercial-collection rules and often involve personal guaranties.
Before you place a former tenant's account
- Provide an itemized security-deposit statement within your state's deadline. Many states impose penalties for missing it.
- Document damage with move-in/move-out checklists, photos and repair invoices
- Have the signed lease, ledger and any judgment from eviction proceedings ready
- Make sure late fees and charges match the lease and state limits (our late fee calculator can help with the math)
- Send a final demand. Our final notice template can be adapted.
Skip tracing
Many former tenants leave no forwarding address. Collection agencies use skip-tracing tools to locate debtors, which is often the main value they add for rental debt.
Small claims vs. agency vs. attorney
For smaller balances, some landlords use small claims court and then an agency or attorney to enforce the judgment. Larger commercial-lease defaults often go straight to an attorney. See judgment collection.
Not legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws vary by state and change over time. CollectionPlacement is a referral service, not a law firm or collection agency. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.
How it works
Three steps to placement
One short form replaces calling a dozen agencies.
Tell us about the debt
Debt type, total balance, age, number of accounts and location. Takes about two minutes.
We match you
We review your file and introduce you to agencies or collection attorneys that handle your debt type, size and jurisdiction.
You choose and place
Compare terms (contingency rates, fees, reporting) directly with the partner and place only if it's a fit. No obligation.
Trust & compliance
How we approach compliance
FDCPA-aware
Consumer and medical accounts are only referred to partners that represent they comply with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Regulation F and applicable state law.
Vetted partners
We check licensing/bonding where required, attorney bar status, and complaint history before adding a partner to our network.
No pressure, no obligation
Matching is free for creditors. You negotiate terms directly and decide whether to place.
Your data, handled carefully
We only share your file with the partners we introduce you to.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord send unpaid rent to collections?
Yes. Unpaid rent and move-out balances can be placed with a collection agency, which must follow consumer-collection laws for residential tenants.
Can a collection agency find a tenant who moved out without a forwarding address?
Agencies commonly use skip tracing to locate former tenants, though success isn't guaranteed.
Should I deduct damages from the security deposit first?
Generally, follow your state's security-deposit rules, including itemization deadlines, and place only the remaining balance.
Do agencies collect commercial lease debts?
Yes. Commercial agencies and attorneys handle business tenant defaults, including claims under personal guaranties.
Free, no obligation
Get matched with a collection partner
Tell us about your receivables. We'll review and introduce you to vetted agencies or collection attorneys suited to your debt type, size and state.