Paying your rent in full and quite on time is a
fundamental requirement of any apartment lease. In other to avoid problems, not
only do you have to be in a position to afford your rent, but you also
should be aware of some basic issues involved with making your monthly
payments. The last thing you would want is to get a notice
from your landlord that you are in arrears even though you assumed
you paid what you owed.
Here are things you need to know concerning rent payments in other
to avoid misunderstandings and disputes between you and your landlord, which
could lead to late charges or even put your tenancy at risk:
1. Choosing a rent payment method: Some
apartment tenants pay their monthly rent by check. But more landlords
are accepting rent payments by credit card, bank payment, cash payment, along
with the ability to process transactions online. Switching from check to credit
card payments has its benefits, but sticking to checks may still be best for
you. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of credit card rent payments
and then decide for yourself. If you are thinking of paying cash, whether you
plan to do it regularly or at once, learn about the possible pitfalls so
you can avoid trouble with your landlord that may put your tenancy at risk.
2. Splitting rent with roommates: If
you have one or more roommates, chances are you have come to some agreement
concerning splitting the rent. You may split rent equally among your roommates,
or come up with a more equitable solution for your situation. If you share a
two-bedroom apartment with someone, you may agree it's only fair that you pay
more if you've got the bigger room. Whatever arrangement you finalize with your
roommates, it is important to get a formal commitment in writing. Also remember
that your landlord doesn't care how roommates choose to split their rent.
If a landlord doesn't get the full amount of rent due even if you paid your
share, you could still face eviction.
3. Prorating your rent: If
your lease begins in the middle of the month, chances are your landlord will
want to prorate the rent for the partial month. For instance, if you are
planning on signing a one-year lease to take effect before the first of the
month, your lease term would technically last for just over 12
months. You would pay a "prorated rent" for that first days or weeks,
and then the full month's rent would be due on the first of each month. Learn
more about when to prorate rent and also how to prorate rent, so
you can be sure your landlord performs the calculations correctly.
4. Making rent payments: It
is normally best to deliver your rent payments in the manner in which
your lease or landlord directs. You may mail your rent check to some
person's attention at a management company, pay online using a safe web site,
or walk the rent payment down the hallway to deliver to your landlord yourself.
If you try taking a different route or make a mistake with an address, your
rent may not arrive on time or even get lost. If you are splitting the
rent with roommates and paying by check, one of you can send the full payment
each month to the landlord (and get refunded by the other roommates), or maybe
send checks from each roommate in one envelope, making sure the sum is equal to
the total amount of rent due.
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