Housing Info Line: Info for Renters

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Rentwise! Chapter Three -- Paying Rent

YOUR "DUTY" TO PAY RENT ON TIME

This is the tenant's most important obligation in any rental agreement, of course. Don't treat it casually because you'll hurt your reputation as a "good tenant"! That reputation will follow you for a long time, especially when you decide to buy a house. Believe it or not, everyone will eventually want to buy their own home. Always pay by check or money order and save proof of payments.

I routinely wait for the end of the grace period to pay.	Yes	No
I expect the landlord to accept partial payments or "wait until payday for the rest."	Yes	No
I don't think the landlord deserves my money even though I willingly signed a contract with him.	Yes	No
If I lose my job or get sick, I want the landlord to "understand" why rent is late.	Yes	No
If my roommate moves out, I expect the landlord to "understand" why I can't pay the rent myself.	Yes	No
I think the landlord is "mean when he demands rent on time	Yes	No

When a personal emergency arises and there's no rent money, immature renters expect the landlord to act like MAMA and "understand." The landlord is not your friend or family! If loss of a job, health, a spouse or roommate means you can't pay rent this month, the landlord has the legal right to start eviction as soon as the grace period passes. Keep at least one months' rent in a special savings account that only you know about!

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