Collection Agency recommendations in Norfolk, Virginia

[Sean Ploskina]

Can anyone make recommendations for a collections agency that operates in Virginia?  I have the eviction documents but they owe a lot more than security deposit 

[Patti Robertson]

My PM company tested 4 collection companies. 3 were local law firms - LT Caplan, Larry Patish, Scott Carnes.  The 4th was our software company (Appfolio).  By far, the local attorneys were more successful.  LT Caplan's company has collected the most among the three, although they have all had success.

One thing to point out is that if you plan to use an attorney to collect, you should use an attorney to obtain the judgment.  If you do, the judge will award legal fees, in addition to court costs and what the tenant owes.  If you file the unlawful detainer on your own or have your PM do it, you will not get legal fees, and thus your collection efforts will be  reduced by the attorney's fee.