Tips for Working with Your Landlord

The following steps may help you negotiate with your landlord:

1. Let the landlord know there is a problem before you start falling behind in the rent.
2. Figure out how much you owe, what you can pay back, and when you can get it done.
3. Put a repayment plan in writing. Make it realistic. It's important that you honor this agreement, or your landlord will lose faith in you. Then, he or she may take more drastic steps such as eviction.
4. If the landlord agrees to a repayment plan, put it in writing. Make sure it says that as long as you follow the repayment plan, the landlord cannot evict you. The paper should be signed and dated by both you and the landlord.
5. Ask the landlord if you can do any work around the property to help pay the back rent.
6. If you believe your landlord has failed to provide a safe and healthy home, find advice about the next steps to take. Start with local Community Action Agency staff.
7. When discussing your nonpayment of rent, focus on that issue and don’t complicate matters by bringing up other problems with the landlord.
   

Check out My Plan for Negotiating with my Landlord for an idea on how you can present your solutions to your landlord.

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