If a landlord sues you in a broken lease collection lawsuit, you have the right to defend yourself and dispute the debt. Do Not Ignore The Lawsuit! Seek legal assistance for how to respond to a Summons or any legal papers you receive. To win a collection lawsuit the landlord must prove that you broke the lease. The landlord proves its case using documents and witnesses. You, too, can use documents and witnesses to defend yourself .
If you do not respond to the Summons and appear in court, the landlord will likely win a default judgment against you. With a default judgment the landlord may:
- Freeze and subsequently seize funds in your bank account within limits
- Garnish your wages within limits
- Take personal property
- Put a lien on real property
In addition, a money judgment will exist for 20 years, accrue interest at 9 percent (9%) per year, and may appear on credit and tenant screening reports.