Is there a law that will make the apartment management push the rent due date ahead?

Question

My uncle lives on social security due to a perminent disability. His social security check is received on the 3rd of every month and the rent is due on the 5th of every month. That gives him 2 days to wheel down to the bank 2 miles away and cash his social security check which is almost impossible in the Minnesota snow, and the check also has to be mailed out which sometimes might take a few days to be received by the management. The check cannot be given to the landlord. The apartment management charges a late fee each month to him for being late. They won't push the rent due date ahead atleast 1 or 2 days. Of course he has a Care attendant with him most of the day, but he has to appear at the bank to cash the check in person.

Is there a law that will make the apartment management push the rent due date ahead? They seemed really grumpy on the phone when we tried to ask them to push the date ahead.

Handicapped Apartments are also RARE to find in Minnesota so moving is IMPOSSIBLE to do. You also have to be accepted in another county for Section 8 rental help which takes up to 3 years and by that time you found a handicapped accessible apartment it would be gone!

Opening a bank account would be possible, but you need money in a bank account. After all bills are paid that leaves him less than $200 a month which he would rather have in cash.

Answer 1

Actually, you are incorrect about the Section 8 Voucher. The Section 8 program is a federal program. He can take it anywhere in the United States as long as the landlord is willing to accept this. Even some private landlords will accept it for some tenants.

I work for an Independent Living Center, which we provide services and programs to people with disabilities. Housing is a huge issue here in this state, as in others. Sometimes people will put themselves on many housing listings for local managements that accept Section 8.

However, the Section 8 is generally portable. Accessible housing is difficult to find. Most housing property managements want the rent up front on the 1st of the month. If this is in his lease he is unable to change it for the time being. Many places will have a 3-5 day grace period. Have him look over his lease, if he doesn't have one, make sure he gets a copy from his landlord.

I'm not sure if there are any laws regarding this. Try contacting a Housing Authority Agency in your state. Every state have an agency/organization that manages Section 8 housing and other housing rights issues.

Also opening a checking account is a great idea. You are just making excuses for your uncle. There is no reason why a person cannot open a checking account when he goes in with the check. Then set up direct deposit. Upon the 1st or so, he may be able to send the check by mail. By the time his landlord receives the check he will be able to cash it and the money will be there. The postmark date will prove that it was sent out on the 1st.

Answer 2

not sure about mgt working with ur uncle, its a shame they cant, but has he thought about getting the check direct deposited into his account? That may at least give him the cushion to write a check the day his check hits the bank..thats what my mom did and she doesnt have to worry about lost or stolen checks or getting to the bank.

Ive lived in a few different states and there was always a few days of grace period. You may want to check Minnesota Landlord/tenant law..should be able to find something on the internet..good luck

Answer 3

One option he could try, he could get a loan for the rent amount for one months rent. Pay that on the 1st, then when his check comes in, hold on to that. Then, he could pay on time the months to come.
This would only work if he recieved enough to cover the payments for the loan.

The person who said Direct Deposit has probably the best idea, if he can have it directly deposited into his account, then he could wait until the 3rd to pay his rent and not worry about going anywhere to cash it.

Answer 4

many states do not know about Minnesota, have state statute under landlord tenant law which states if a person income is from a disability/SSI check state statute places a grace period before a a landlord may charge a late fee

Answer 5

No there is no law like that. I would, however, not renew the lease, move the uncle and be sure to have the new lease signed after the 5th, or arrange for payment to be received after the 10th of the month by the new landlord.

Answer 6

Try the site below for research on this topic. Make sure to change the location/state in which you reside. Hope this helps.