When a tenant stops paying their rent, it’s only natural for the landlord to get frustrated. A lack of communication from the tenant can make the situation worse, and leave the landlord floundering as they try to figure out how to react.
Sometimes, landlords can better manage a situation with a non-paying tenant by proactively approaching the tenant and inquiring about their situation. That can help both parties come to an agreement and avoid legal action.
3 reasons why tenants stop payment
There are numerous reasons why a tenant might stop payment. To develop a solid strategy to manage the situation, it is imperative to understand the underlying reasons why a tenant is not paying. According to the Wall Street Journal, here are three possible reasons:
- Financial difficulties: Many tenants have felt the effects of the economic instability, and these effects are being felt by landlords as a result. Some workers have lost their job, and others have seen a reduction in hours or reassignments. Some workers have been outsourced and are trying to survive on economic stimulus checks and unemployment. Additionally, unexpected hospital stays and the burden of caring for sick loved ones have put many in difficult financial situations.
- Repairs and complaints: Some tenants withhold payments because they feel that their complaints, requests, or concerns are not being listened to. Communication is key to making sure that problems are resolved before the landlord-tenant relationship deteriorates.
- Refusal to pay: Some tenants simply refuse to pay and are waiting to be evicted. In these cases, there is little that the landlord can do to correct the situation. The best route is sound legal counsel to help navigate the legal eviction process.
Understanding the circumstances that led a tenant to not uphold their obligations help to equip landlords to present solutions.
Exploring legal options for landlords
The reason why the tenant is not making rent payments on time can determine the legal options for the landlord. The best strategy is communication, mediation, and mutual understanding. However, if all else fails, landlords would greatly benefit from legal counsel that is experienced in New York’s landlord-tenant laws to find out what their rights and options are.
