Is Landlord Responsible For Check BOUNCED AFTER Cashed?

[Hanna J.]

Hi all, I'd like to see your advice on my very weird situation with my ex-property manager in Chicago- Get Cashflow Today. They just sent my account to collection agency, asking me to pay the bounced check happened in July 2018.

I worked with them about a year on my Oak Lawn property and they've been collecting checks and disbursing funds to me. Tenant left in July 2018 and I sold this property through a Realtor referred by this PM in Nov. 2018. I paid all the balance due before closing the sale transaction obviously.

In December 2018, Get Cashflow Today contacted me and asked me to pay them $2700 for the bounced check  from the tenant back in July 2018! PM claims that I have their money because check was bounced. 

First off, I don't understand how checks can be cleared at first and then bounced? Is this possible in Illinois? If this logic makes sense, any property owners can be responsible for the "bounced checks" months or years after they are collected and disbursed?

Second of all, Why on earth PM waited for 6 months to notify me? I am pissed that they think I should be responsible for their mismanagement.

Please share your opinions and advices on how I should response to this matter...