Talking to Your Property Manager About Rent Flexibility

At some point in your rental journey, you may face hardships that affect your ability to meet the financial obligations of your lease agreement. If you’re having a hard time making your monthly rent payments, additional flexibility from your property manager and assistance from outside resources may help you relieve financial pressure and avoid eviction. 

What does rent flexibility look like?

The best solution will vary depending on your unique situation, but there are several common arrangements you might consider as a general starting point for your discussion with your property manager.

• Personalized payment date. Most rent payments are due on the first day of the month, and many properties typically offer some form of a grace period. However, depending on when you get paid, this timing still may not be ideal. If you find yourself struggling to make rent payments on time, you may speak to your property manager about changing your payment due date to better align with your pay cycle.
• Paying in installments. You may find it difficult to cover your full monthly rent in one payment. In this case, your property manager may be willing to work out an alternative payment schedule with you that allows you to make multiple smaller payments throughout the month rather than all at once.
• Waiver of late fees or penalties. Late fees and penalties are intended to discourage repeated late payments—but sometimes, unexpected things happen. If you’re facing a temporary setback impacting your ability to pay rent on time, but are otherwise in good standing with your property manager, you may be able to negotiate a one-time exception for late fees or penalties.

How do I navigate the conversation with my property manager?

Approaching your property manager about your concerns can be intimidating, but there are resources and organizations dedicated to helping renters stay in their homes. The following steps may help foster a more productive conversation.

• Be prepared. Before speaking with your property manager, consider seeking advice from a HUD-certified housing counselor to help you understand your rights and options, and to prepare any relevant information you may need.
• Keep records. As you negotiate with your property manager, make sure to keep written documentation of any agreements made whenever possible.
• Maintain communication. Following your discussion, keep open lines of communication with your property manager so that both parties are holding up their end of the agreement.

No matter your current financial situation, it is important to understand your options and know how to prepare for a conversation with your property manager should you run into financial difficulties in the future while renting.