Can your landlord force you to pay rent through automatic withdrawal from your bank account?

Answer 1

i was just reading an article that some landlords have the authority to do so if you are behind on your payment or if you constantly miss a payment. but other wise i think that sort of activity is illegal.. it would be unauthorised use of your account which is a felony. but you should read the contract you signed with him.. you may have agreed to such terms without even knowing it.

Answer 2

If s/he's already your landlord, no. The rules about this would be exactly the same as any any financial transaction, with the added weight of various Housing Acts.
Not paying by Direct debit is not grounds for eviction - stipulating the way you pay is not legally enforceable.

If you are looking to rent, than it could be a stipulation of the tenancy agreement that you pay by DD. This would still be open to challenge.

Or, are you taking about recovering Rent Arrears? In this case, forcing you is still likely to be illegal, but could be good option if you need some breathing space.

Answer 3

The landlord can specify this requirement through the tenacy agreement - a document which you would sign if you agree to it.

If you do agree, you would give the instruction to your bank to approve the amount (of rent) that your landlord can withdraw from your account & on what date. It's very similar to organising a direct debit payment.

Answer 4

No, they can not force you to pay through automatic withdrawal, but if you have been delinquent or written them checks that bounced they can request it. My insurance company requested that my car insurance be automatically deducted from my bank account, and that was the only payment that they would accept. I had been late in mailing the payment, and it was easier to go along with them.

Answer 5

depending on where you live.....
and the contents of your rental agreement.
Also, if you are usually LATE, or hard to get to make payment on time, a revision can be made to your rental agreement. However,
you must agree, and there must be set acceptable guidelines as to what date each month the money can/will be accessed.

If you do not agree with what the landlord is asking for, live somewhere else.

You have a choice.........

Answer 6

I have rented property and you cannot force payment of rent through the tenants bank account

Answer 7

He can ask you if you would like to do this but what would happen if you didnt have a bank account? This is an advantage to him since he knows he will be getting his rent

Answer 8

Only via a County Court Garnishee in the UK, but they would have to et a Judgement for rent arrears first.

Answer 9

no, but if he decides to change the rules of his rentals, he can do that. He has to give you ninety days notice to accept the new rules or move, unless you have a lease, in which case, he cannot change the lease unless you agree to it. At least those are the rules in my state, don't know what your state's rules might be regarding rentals, check with your state's landlord tenant act.

Answer 10

No.

However, there may be conditions on the rental agreement that require you to pay in this manner. Check your contract to determine if this is something you may have agreed to without being made fully aware of it.

Good luck.