A DV must be sent within 30 days of dunning notice to be timely.
When did they send dunning notice?
Even if timely, a DV under FDCPA 809 does not impose any requrirement to send validation.
It imposes a cease collection bar, which remains in effect until such time as they choose to send validation.
Thus, the issue of when they provide validation relates to if/when any cease collection bar is terminated.
Adequacy of a DV response does not usually require "proof" of the debt.
While varying by jurisdiction under pertinent case law, the majority of jurisdictions do not require proofs in order to verify under the FDCPA.
The crux of the issue appears to be legal interpretation of contract obligations and negligence of the plumber that resulted in damages, which is best handled by the courts.
Any DV would, in my opinion, be secondary in developing the facts, even timely.
Netiher the DV process under the FDCPA nor the dispute process under the FCRA are full legal processes which compel the production of all relevant evidence by both parties, or have a judge authorized to make a binding determination.
I would continue to develop a supportable civil action, and get a clear resolution in the courts.
