Can’t pay your rent on time? Never Ever Lie
OK, so you know that timely payment is key #1. But what do you do if you cannot pay… honestly, cannot pay.
Key #3. Owner-managers want folks to pay on time, but sometimes that is impossible. If it is impossible, tell the owner why.
NEVER EVER LIE. TELL THE REAL REASON.
That will get you some time as almost all the manager-owners I know will have some limited patience/flexibility. But, here is the deal if you need to do this. Landlords do not want to be abused.
Follow this plan: First, pay something. Do not or expect to pay ZERO. Even if its 50% of the rent, or 33% of that month’s rent, pay something! Most important, set up a plan with your Owner that you can meet, a plan that shows how the next month gets paid, and how the arrearage gets paid.
KEY #3.1 faithfully follow the plan. Do everything in your power to catch up.
Do not buy a big screen TV, or go on a Carnival Cruise, while you are asking your Owner to take a hit! That’s called: BAD FAITH. It s breach of the trust your owner has extended by the late payment agreement.
If you get extra funds, and can catch up, quickly pay them to the owner. All this can play to your ADVANTAGE. If you follow through as promised, and you catch up, your Owner will gain RESPECT for you.
Everyone has lean times, it’s how you act and treat people that wins or loses points. LIVING LARGE, in other words, depends on acting in good faith.
Tim Murphy
Padzilla.Com
