My ex landlord has filed court papers asking for two months rent. In actuality, I only owe him one more month rent as I had written him and had asked for the security deposit and some renovations I did to the place (like replace stove and leave new air conditioner) to cover the second months' rent.
LL didn't see it that way and filed papers - and most likely will not give me my security deposit either (so in actuality that would be three months rent he'd be pocketing). I've tried to find a place but the money owed comes up on my credit report. I'm anxious as to how to go about getting this paid with as little contact with the landlord as possible. It's been several months but it would be paid same year as I moved out - should I mail the money orders to him and cross my fingers that he'd remove the court file or should I go to housing court and file a payment paper and pay through the court? How will I know that this file will be removed from my record at all? What if the LL is vindictive and leaves it on and I can't rent from anybody? How do I go about getting it expunged or at least showing it was paid in full? How long does this stay on my record? Will I never be able to rent again?