I can't pay rent until Aug 15th, it's due today 8/3..do I have any rights? What are my options?

Question

I am on a year lease. It's an apartment complex.. in California.

Answer 1

Call your landlord and tell them that you won't be able to pay until the 15th for this month only.

Being late once is not the end of the world.

You cannot just be thrown out, nor can you be forced to leave. Some landlords make empty threats in order to intimidate their tenants. If you have a decent landlord, this should not be an issue.

If your lease says you have to pay a late fee, be sure to include it with your rent when you pay on the 15th.

Answer 2

Depends on if this is an ongoing issue or just a one-time thing. Talk to the apt complex and see if you can arrange to make your payments regularly around the 15th. You may want to give them an extra deposit up front as a good faith gesture, so that they're not "out" the money for the current month.

If your problem is financial solvency, you need to move to a month-to-month with your current landlord (yes, you will probably have to pay higher rent), then get into a cheaper apartment if you can, or share rent with someone, or do something similar to reduce your rent payments.

You may want to work up a budget to make sure you don't have a problem paying bills on time.

You might also see if there is a tenant's rights association in your location.

Answer 3

Well depending on the landlord and how the lease i written. If there is a Grace period written in you might be able to get by. You could contact the landlord and let them know your delima. Or if its due on the 3rd the landlord could start to kick you out and not accept any more payments.

Or you could ask if you could make a partial rent payment and when you have the other monies ready on the 15th pay then.

Answer 4

I also live in California and you do have rights but first just try talking to you landlord. Usually there is just a fine fro paying late. If you are honest, up front and don't do it an a regular bases you should be fine. If you ALWAYS have to pay on the 15th ask your land lord if you can change the due date on or contract. For the most part they are reasonable. It would be easier to work with you then have to rent to someone else.
As much as it sucks, but call them.

Answer 5

You should contact the landlord and tell them that you are having temporary financial problems. Tell them exactly when you will pay them what you owe them. Perhaps the landloard can be flexible enough to let you pay late with only a minor penalty. Such a penalty is probably specified in the lease or rental agreement.

If you say nothing, you run the risk of getting an eviction notice with only 3 days to comply. To me, this would be much worse than having to get up the nerve to contact the landlord.

Also seek out a tenant's rights organization in your area for future questions. Your rights can vary from state to state and even city to city.

Answer 6

You have no rights, really. If you don't pay your rent, your landlord can start eviction proceedings. As a practical matter, they probably won't be able to get you out in 12 days.

If you repeatedly are delinquent, they can get an eviction even if you offer to pay up at the last minute.

Your best bet would be to talk to the landlord and try and work something out. A partial payment right now may go a long way to impressing him or her that you are serious about things.

Answer 7

They all have different late payment policies.

My complex works this way.......Rent is due on the 1st if received after the first there is a 20 dollar penalty........if payment is sent/postmarked on the 16th and anytime after the late fee is then 60 dollars.

Dont worry you wont be evicted immediately if you dont pay rent ON the day its due but you may have late fees assessed.

Just check with your leasing agent......they'll be able to give you the numbers..........

By the way I live in California too......Good Luck .........Have A Great Day!! :) The weather is Beeauuutiful today.......I live in the Bay!!!

Answer 8

Let them know your situation right away.

I was in a tough spot last year with money (after someone stole my check card and spent all of it!) I was in a lease with an apartment complex and I had to let them know that I would be late on payment.

Trust me, they're human, they should understand. Even if they dont, there's not really anything they can do since it's only about a week and a half. But I would tell them your situation- more than likely they'll understand and respect the fact that you told them.

Answer 9

Pretty much everone here has a great point, the best thing you can do is be honest and talk to your landlord about your situation. More than likely there will be some form of late fee, but not saying anything at all is definately not the way to go, you could end up with eviction papers taped to your front door.

Answer 10

Is today is the final day of the dateline??? I mean there is always a period of 5 days before and 5 days after the date you signed for paying, at least where I am from.....still, I think your best bet is talking to administration, explaining you had some unexpected expenses that came up, and you won't be able to pay until the 15th.....give your word to pay the 15th only if you know you are going to pay on that date. Good Luck.