Is Southern Management Systems Hurting Your Credit?

Seeing Southern Management Systems on your credit report can be frustrating—and it could be hurting your credit score. Here’s what you need to know about this collection agency and how to deal with them.

Who Is Southern Management Systems?

Southern Management Systems, Inc. (SMS) is a debt collection agency based in Orlando, Florida. They collect past-due debts on behalf of businesses, most commonly tied to rental properties.

If they’ve appeared on your credit report, it means they are attempting to collect a debt they believe you owe.

Who Does Southern Management Systems Collect For?

Southern Management Systems works with property management companies across the country. They typically handle debts related to:

• Unpaid rent
• Property damages
• Lease break fees
• Other rental-related balances

If you’ve had issues with a former landlord or property, that’s likely why SMS is contacting you.

Is Southern Management Systems Legitimate?

Yes, Southern Management Systems is a real, authorized debt collection agency. But mistakes happen, so never assume a debt is valid without double-checking. You have the right to verify the debt before taking further action.

How Can You Remove Southern Management Systems From Your Credit Report?

Collection accounts can damage your credit score for up to seven years—but there are ways to potentially remove them sooner:

• Dispute inaccuracies – If the collection isn’t yours or contains incorrect details, file a dispute with the credit bureaus.
• Request debt validation – You can ask Southern Management Systems to provide proof that the debt is valid and accurate.
• Negotiate a pay-for-delete – Some collectors will agree to remove the account if you settle the debt, but always get this in writing first.
• Work with a credit repair service – Professionals can challenge negative marks on your credit report for you.

The faster you address the collection, the better for your credit.

Should You Contact or Pay Southern Management Systems?

Always verify the debt before reaching out or making payments. Credit reports sometimes include incorrect or outdated accounts. Paying a debt can also reset the reporting timeline, so be cautious.

If you’re unsure how to handle the situation, working with a credit repair company can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Can Southern Management Systems Sue You or Garnish Your Wages?

Southern Management Systems has the legal ability to file a lawsuit for unpaid debts. If they win in court, they may seek wage garnishment or a bank levy, depending on your state’s laws.

Lawsuits are usually a last resort. Collectors often try to negotiate payment arrangements or settlements first.

Southern Management Systems Contact Information

Here’s how to contact them:

Physical Address:
Southern Management Systems, Inc.
625 Herndon Ave., Suite C
Orlando, FL 32803

Mailing Address:
Southern Management Systems, Inc.
PO Box 149966
Orlando, FL 32814

Phone: (407) 895-7100

Complaints Against Southern Management Systems

Many collection agencies, including Southern Management Systems, face complaints with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Better Business Bureau. Common issues include:

• Incorrect information on credit reports
• Harassing calls or aggressive tactics
• Failure to provide debt validation

If you feel your rights are being violated, you can file a complaint with the CFPB or your state’s attorney general.

Your Rights When Dealing With Southern Management Systems

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protect you from unfair treatment. Your rights include:

• Southern Management Systems cannot report false or incomplete information
• You can request debt validation within 30 days of first contact
• They cannot harass you, use profanity, or call repeatedly
• They must clearly identify themselves as a debt collection agency
• They cannot threaten jail time or arrest over unpaid debts

Knowing your rights helps you stay in control when dealing with collectors.

Ready to Remove Southern Management Systems From Your Credit Report?

If a collection account from Southern Management Systems is hurting your credit, Credit Saint may be able to help. They’ve spent over 15 years helping people dispute negative items, including collections from companies like SMS.

Dealing with collections can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Credit Saint even offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for added confidence.

Visit their website or call (855) 281-1510 to get started today.