Back to: Finding Your Place: Overcoming Barriers in Rental Housing

• Always Use a Trackable Payment Method: NEVER pay rent in cash due to risks of misunderstandings or theft. Use checks, bank transfers, or online payments that can be verified and tracked.
• Keep Receipts of Money Orders: If you use money orders, always keep the receipts. They are your proof of payment in case of any disputes and if a Money Order is lost or destroyed, you can have it reissued if you have your receipt. Snap a picture of it with your phone and toss the paper in a drawer in case you need it later.
• Pay Directly to Authorized Recipients: Ensure your rent payments go directly to the landlord, their authorized representative, or through an approved online platform. Never hand money to someone you do not know and if you receive directions to change how you pay or who you pay rent to, make sure to confirm with your existing landlord that it is not a scam.
• Avoid Cash Deposits in Payment Boxes: Never deposit cash into drop boxes for rent payments. It’s unsafe and untraceable.
• Check for Online Payment Fees: Some online payment methods may include additional fees. Review these beforehand and choose the most cost-effective, some credit card fees can be as much as 3-4% of the rent, you might save $20-30 a month just by using a check or Money Order which can be purchased at most grocery retailers and dollar stores for as little as $0.50.
• Do Not Rely on Others to Pay Rent: Avoid giving money to friends or family members to make rent payments on your behalf to prevent any potential issues.
• Stay Informed About Payment Policies: Familiarize yourself with your landlord’s payment policies, including acceptable payment methods and due dates, grace periods and late fees.
• Set Up Payment Reminders: Use calendar reminders or automatic payment setups to ensure you never miss a rent payment. Late payments can lead to fees or negative marks on your rental history.
• Understand Your Lease Agreement: Know the specifics of your lease agreement concerning rent payments, including grace periods and consequences for late payments.
• Be Cautious of Scams: Never pay rent or any other fees in gift cards, including prepaid credit cards. Legitimate entities like the IRS or utility companies will not demand such payment methods.
• Verify Identity for Phone or Online Contact: If you are contacted by phone or online for payments, verify the identity of the caller or sender through known, official channels before proceeding.
• Report Payment Issues Immediately: If you encounter issues with online payments or other methods, report them to your landlord immediately.
• Request a Payment Receipt: For every payment made, ask for a receipt or confirmation number for your records
• Review Rent Increase Policies: Be aware of how and when your rent might increase according to your lease agreement and state or local laws.
• Budget Wisely for Rent: Ensure that rent payment is a priority in your monthly budgeting to avoid any financial stress or potential eviction. Paying rent on time is your responsibility and you cannot rely on others, including the landlord to remind you about it.