BEING EVICTED....but i paid my rent....?

Question

My boyfriend and i just moved into our first apartment a month ago. We were told that they preferred payment with a money order and it was to be sent to the P.O box address we were given. We made our first payment for the remainder of our deposit in the middle of april and everything went smoothly. On the 25th we mailed the money order for $865 that was due may first for mays rent. Yesterday morning we recieved a a 3 day notice to pay rent or quit for the amount of $820....not even the right amount of rent. I spent all day yesterday calling and never speaking to anyone. I left messages, then finally someone called and i missed it but recieved a message saying they never recieved it. I talked to western union and put a stop payment since they informed me the money order had not been cashed, i started the refund process but it takes a few weeks. I don't know what to do,and have yet to get ahold of anyone. Do i have any rights that keep me from being evicted?

Answer 1

Of course...Keep all your documentation and don't move. They will take you to court and you will win... However...when the refund from WU comes through...Pay the rent again via certified mail

Answer 2

do you have the original receipt from Western Union . if so, show your landlord that stub and tell them that you had initiated a refund and will pay them in cash personally. They aren't evicting you. they are just issuing you a notice of non-payment (eviciton process takes 30 days minimum).

And next time
1) dont use Wester Union. Postal Money orders are more trustworthy, and can be refunded to you faster
2) pay in person.
3) get a receipt.

also, i suggest that you work it out with your landlord to pay by personal or business check. Money orders are notoriously hard to track and with checks, you have an ongoing record via your bank.

Any landlord that doens't take checks are landlords to avoid.

Answer 3

you should take your payment to the office and put it someones hand ive had that crap happen to me once so now i dont just put it in a boxi put it in a hand...but as for your rights i think that u need to read the fine print on your lease