Tenant first time Late Rent Payment

[Heather Morris]

I am a renter. I was out on maternity leave, but went back to work before my newborn was 2 weeks old. My rent was due on the 6th and made an arrangement with my landlord to pay the amount on the 14th (today). I have $1,000 to give my landlord today, but am short $355 (my commission from a sale was not reflected on this check as I anticipated) My anxiety is through the roof. I can't breathe, my heart is pounding and I can't concentrate. I have never been late before and I am panicking. What if he will be mad at me? What if he evicts me? I tried my hardest to come up with the full amount, no family was able to help, I don't have enough credit history to apply for a loan. 

From a landlord's stand point, how would you react to this kind of situation?

[Gail K.]

My suggestion is (as others have said)...TALK to your landlord first and explain the situation.

Right now I'm in one where a young tenant texted me that she had to "go out of town on a family emergency" that just happened to take place over the fourth of July holiday.  Please..  Her school was on holiday (so was my youngest sons) and she went home during this time period to see mom and dad.  Lie number one.

Said she would be sending me the rent check which is $650 a month.  Finally sent it out...July 6th.  Not only was it late but it was $100 short at $550.  NO explanation whatsoever.  Just the two money orders totally $550.

I texted her with copies of this and asked why.

Crickets.

Know what got her attention?  Shoving the money orders back in an envelope with a 3 day Pay or Quit notice she received today.

Now she's all over the internet texting me and leaving me messages promising to pay the late fee and the extra $100 on the first of NEXT month because she "accidentally" sent the power company $100 too much.  Lie number two.

So...what do you think makes me so angry?  Thinking that I'll be so happy simply accepting less rent with no explanation, that I'll believe her stories on why this happened or that I'll actually believe she'll fork over this money come August 1?

Gail