How to Pay Rent Late Without Being Evicted

Renters can face many financial hardships from unexpected expenses, job loss or poor budgeting habits. Learn how to pay rent late without being evicted so you can at least have a place to stay while repairing your finances.

Meet with your Landlord in Advance
Many landlords do not like surprises when trying to collect the rental fees for their properties. Ask to speak with your landlord in private to discuss your current financial situation and pay rent late without being evicted. Give the landlord advance notice that rent will be paid late during this meeting. Late fees may be added to your amount due depending on the lease that was signed when you move into an apartment or house. Assure the landlord that you will pay the rent in whole plus late fees if they apply.

Pay a Portion of Rent Upfront
Give your landlord as much money as possible toward the rent. Pay this amount when your rent is due to hold you over until the remaining funds are paid. Paying 25, 50 or 70 percent of your rent due helps landlords get a sense that you are making an effort towards this outstanding balance. Every little bit helps when you are trying to pay rent late without being evicted.

Give your Landlord Checks instead of Cash
If deadlines are more of a problem than money, pay your rent with a check instead of cash. Checks save you up to 24 hours of paying rent, providing enough time to either get the rest of the money or put it in your bank. This scenario of trying to pay rent late without being evicted may be useful to people who get off of work late in the evening or do not have direct deposit activated for their paychecks. Do not give your landlord a check if you know that the full amount will not be in the bank by the time he or she cashes it. Writing bad checks will get you in trouble with the bank and your landlord, making eviction likely or additional fees at the least.

Agree on Dates to Pay Rent Late
Rent should be paid no later than the date you agreed to have all or the remaining funds. If you tell the landlord his or her rent will be paid on a specific day, make sure this agreement is honored. Tenants are likely to be considered untrustworthy if rent is said to be paid on a Tuesday but is not given to landlords until the following Saturday. This will not give you any more chances to pay rent late without being evicted in the future. Always pay rent on the dates that you give your landlord, especially if it is a late payment.