How to Avoid Eviction From Rental Property Due to Late Payment

We've all been in a financial crunch at one time or another. If you rent an apartment, you know the importance of paying your rent on time. Sometimes unexpected events can cause you to be late paying the rent and the threat of eviction looms. Assuming you have some time before the rent is due, here are a few simple steps you can follow to avoid eviction from rental property if you find yourself in this predicament.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Inform your leasing office. Communication is golden. If you explain your situation to the resident manager before the rent is due, they may be able to make some concessions for you. Waiting until after the first of the month may leave with fewer options or none at all. You may then find yourself dealing with all sorts of unpleasant fees.

2. Pawn some of your possessions. Here's where you have to decide if sentimental value is more important than keeping a roof over your head. Now, you don't want to pawn your great grandmother's wedding ring. However, you may be able to get a decent amount of cash for that guitar you bought a while back that you haven't learned to play yet. Look around for old instruments, movies, video games, jewelry, golf clubs, power tools, or anything else that you think you can sell to a pawn shop for a few bucks.

3. Maintain communication with your leasing office throughout the entire process. You may receive a few notices concerning your late rent, but don't be discouraged by them because your leasing office is just going through the legal procedures they have to follow concerning unpaid rent.

4. Give close attention to the language of any notices you receive. In most cases, you'll end up having until the 15th of the month before your leasing office takes legal action to have you evicted. Instead of going into panic, remain focused on getting the extra cash you need.

5. Pay your rent with a cashier's check or money order. Hopefully, by the the 15th, you're able to come up with the extra money to cover your rent and other expenses.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult the terms of your lease to get the details of the whole eviction process so you can see how much time you have to pay. If the contract is unclear, then consult your leasing office for your apartment community's specific terms.
• This is in no way to be construed as legal advice concerning eviction from rental property.

[PaulF]

on 3/2/2009 Thanks for the comment. It's good to hear about this subject from the landlord's perspective. I think it's easy to lose site of the fact that the landlord has to pay bills just as much as the tenant does. Some may think the landlord is being a jerk, but they are just trying to keep things in order, too.

[theperfectfit]

on 3/2/2009 As a landlord, you are correct about talking to the landlord if you are going to be late 'before' the rent is late. I must submit a letter on the 6th of the month for payment by the 10th. I usually wait until the 15th before I file legal documents. If this late payment has happened before, I am less likely to let things slide. I run a business and I have to pay my bills on time. Everyone things that the landlord is rich. Most are just getting along. Good article.