How to Pay Rent Late

Tight on cash? Paying one month's rent a little late shouldn't cost you your apartment. With some luck and tact, you can work out an agreement with your landlord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Envelopes
• Rental Agreements
• Stationery
• Postage Stamps

1. Review your lease or rental agreement for clauses about late fees. Find out exactly what action your landlord may take under the terms of your contract.
2. Resolve to pay a late fee if your contract explicitly states that your landlord may impose them. Otherwise, your landlord cannot legally require you to pay a late fee (see Tips).
3. Write a letter to your landlord explaining your situation and asking for some extra time. If possible, try not to ask for more than a few days.
4. Emphasize that your problems are temporary and reassure the landlord that in the future you'll be able to pay the rent on time.
5. Agree to pay a portion of the rent immediately, if possible, and promise to pay the balance by a specific date.

Tips & Warnings

• Read up on your state's specific laws regarding eviction, late fees and late rent payments.
• Even if your contract doesn't mention late fees, it may be better to pay a small fee to avoid problems in the future. Chances are that if you refuse to pay $10 extra for handing in the rent a week late, the landlord will evict you at the next legal opportunity.
• Tell the landlord you can't pay on time before you send in a late check. In most states a landlord can file for eviction if the rent is even one day late.
• Don't write the landlord a bad check.