How do I handle something turned over to a collection agency?

[Anonymous]

I've found myself in a strange situation.
After 8 years in the same apartment, I moved last July. I paid my final month's rent, along with what I thought was my final water bill. I left a forwarding address and phone number.
I received a letter from a debt collector stating that the leasing company sent a debt for a utility bill to collections.
I never recieved any sort of bill or notice from them and was completely unaware that I owed $.
I don't want anything on my credit, especially from a leasing company.
How do I resolve this? Do I pay the leasing company directly or do I pay the dept collector?
If I pay it how do I guarantee that it'll be considered paid on their end?

[Anonymous]

First ask for proof of the debt, they must provide it.

Take it from there depending on what the facts show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:First ask for proof of the debt, they must provide it.

Take it from there depending on what the facts show.

... and copy the leasing company on all correspondence. You can state in your first communication that you were never informed of any balance due, etc.