How to Tell Your Landlord the Rent Will be Late

What to Do When You Can't Make Your Rent Payment on Time

Jul 6, 2008 L. Marie Dubuque

If you've been laid off, fired, or simply budgeted badly, admitting this to your landlord is what most tenants dread. How to approach a property owner and what to say.

"I’m going to be late with the rent this month," or "I know I still owe this month’s rent, but…" are common ways to start that dreaded conversation with your landlord. But you can make it easier on yourself and the manager if you have a plan.

How to Tell Your Landlord You’ll be Late with the Rent:

• Tell the owner of your house or apartment why you are late. Gain that sympathy vote right off the bat. Not that you’re trying to guilt your landlord into giving you a break. But if he/she understands the reason behind your circumstances, not just that you spaced it out, then he’ll probably be more inclined to help you.
• Come up with a plan before you dial the number. Don’t even pick up the phone to call your landlord until you set up a budget and work out a payment program you both can live with. If it means you make two payments a month, so be it. Whatever it will take to prevent becoming evicted. Also, set up a time table and give your landlord a target date as to when you'll be back on schedule with the rent.
• Offer to work around the house/apartment complex. If you know you won’t be able to make the entire rent payment each month for some time to come, offer to mow the lawn, rake leaves, paint the exterior or interior of the unit, even agree to walk other tenants’ dogs. Whatever you do make sure you remain in constant communication with your landlord. And when your situation improves, start paying the rent in full and on time as quickly as possible.
• Look for a smaller place. If you are definitely living beyond your means and you see no way to make the rent payments, even when you find a job or pay off your debts, start looking to downsize. Even if you go from a 1,000 square foot loft to a tiny 500 square foot studio apartment, you’ll be able to sleep better at night, pay all your bills, and eventually move to a bigger place. And when it’s time to leave, make sure you don’t burn bridges with your current landlord. Leave the place as tidy as you found it. If you did any damage, fix it before you walk out. Then send a thoughtful letter asking for your security deposit back in full. You’ll be happy you left on a positive note, especially when it comes time to buy a house.

The copyright of the article How to Tell Your Landlord the Rent Will be Late in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish How to Tell Your Landlord the Rent Will be Late in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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