Can i sue the apartment when they damaged my credit. they sent to collection, they give me no time to pay?

i moved out of the apartment on 4/30/07. Around June 16,or 17. i received and bill from them. Stating i owed them $275 for the paint job and general clean up. On the bill it stated that "any outstand balance will send to collection after 30 days) .On June 22, i talked to them, they said they already sent it to collection agency. On the envolope of the bill, there was a stamp by postal office, indicated that they mailed it on June 15th. which I responsed the the bill within 7 days.
i asked her y she sent it to collection . She said from the day i moved out, what ever the balance is not received with 30 will be collection. But the problem is I moved out on 4/30/07, they mailed it to me on 6/15/07, i received around 6/16 or 6/17/07. they let me know after 30 days.. how can i suppose to pay when i dont know that i owe them money, right? They give me no time to pay. actually, sent it collection befor i know it. can i sue them for damaging my credit, when i tried to build up.??? pls help

They were expecting payment WITHIN 30 days of your exit to avoid sending to collection; probably a term of your lease.

Out 4/30; Pay by 5/30 or on to collection. 6/15; sent to collection

I don't think you have a case.

Your best bet isnt suing.

Get the address for their dispute department. Write out everything, include all account info. Fax or mail (DO NOT EMAIL) them all the info.

On your credit it will report for awhile as in dispute. Theyll have to respond that theyre looking into it. Then they have to resolve it one way or another in a set time limit (I cant remember the time on either).

If they dont respond in the time limits they have to throw out the debt. If they dont respon the way they like have a lawyer send them a letter-still dont sue. Most will do this for free if you ask nicely, theyll send the same thing you sent, just on their letterhead--usually that will take care of it.

Challenge the credit report ding, in writing, to the credit reporting agency (s)

Will that type of collection drop off after it's paid? I know some one time things like this do (like a phone bill).