We have quite a sticky issue. Approximately 3 years ago, we were in our 3rd year of tenancy, in good standing with the apartment complex. One of my children (7 at the time) was lured into a vacant apartment by an older neighborhood child, and was abused. When we found out, we initiated a report to DSS. Shortly after the case was being investigated, our rent check was "lost" by the apartment office, and we were served with eviction paperwork. We fought it, paid all moneys to escrow (the money was in the bank the entire time) and we brought a counterclaim against the property for wrongful action and negligence. The complex's lawyers dropped the case, and we moved out. (We paid the rent to escrow, through the last month of our tenancy. The landlord received payment from that escrow account, after they dropped the case.)

Now, we have encountered some continuing problems. One, the apartment is alleging that we were evicted, when we were NOT. We did break the lease, however.

Two, we were hit with approximately $4000 on our credit report, for supposed cleaning fees, alleged damage to the unit, and penalties due to breaking the lease. We did NOT trash the apartment, nor did we leave it dirty. We feel that the penalties should not apply, under the circumstances.

What recourse do we have, at this point? We have since moved out of state and have been living with a relative. We discovered the problem rather recently, when looking for an apartment (the landlord declined to rent to us, based on the alleged eviction and bad reference.) I'm certain that the negative impact on our credit report doesn't help, either.

Do we case for negligence, harrasment, libel and/or bogus charges to our credit?