A federal judge has ordered Credit Bureau Center, LLC and its owner, Michael Brown, to pay more than $5.2 million to return to consumers, to resolve FTC charges that they deceived people with fake rental property ads and deceptive promises of “free” credit reports, and then tricked them into enrolling into a costly monthly credit …
Question: Dear Steve, I owed an apartment complex $800 in 2012. I completed the lease but they kept my deposit and charged me an additional $800 for replacing the carpet and cleaning the garage which had stains on the floor. I tried to pay it but recently when I inquired, they sold the debt to …
Housing expenses often take up the largest share of people’s monthly budgets, so if you can’t find affordable housing, it can make everything more difficult. People who live in densely populated areas know this all too well and understand that high rent prices are just a part of living where they want to be (I’m looking …
Owning your own home used to be the American dream. But today, the aftermath of the mortgage crisis, the burden of student loans, and a mobile workforce have combined to encourage more Gen-Yers and Millennials to rent instead of buy. No matter what the reason you’re renting, it’s important to understand why you need renter’s …
Housing costs is often the biggest part of any American’s budget. But when it comes to choosing where you will live there is often one major question: Should you rent or should you buy? There are several factors that go into which decision is more financially prudent for you. One number that can help you figure …
“Dear Steve, I wrote to you about two months ago stating that my wife and I have a combined income of $150K, live in Long Island, New York and have two college aid kids. Our home was too small for a family of four six years ago and renovated it, spending $228K on construction. We …
The Federal Trade Commission has warned the operators of six websites that share information about consumers’ rental histories with landlords that they may be subject to the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The letters inform the recipients that if they meet certain criteria, namely collecting information on tenants and their rental history …
“Dear Steve, Husband sign the certified mail slip and never told me about court or judgement against me from Fath Properties, Ohio. Mother-in-law passed away of cancer. Her apartment was right next door. Our family lived in both apartments but I was the only one on lease of second apartment. Family wanted to vacate and …
“Dear Steve, My wife and I are in our mid 50s living in suburban NY. Our kids are in college. Combined, our income is $150,000. While this is considered to be good money, it just doesn’t seem to be enough to cover our needs and save for the future during the years that we should …
“Dear Steve, My daughter in law bought a house in 2004 before she married my son. Her name is the only one on the deed. She bought the house with the understanding that the house was new, only to find out afterward that court records show that the owner had gotten a remodel home loan …