One of the pitfalls of renting with roommates is relying on other people to pay rent together. As a co-tenant, you are responsible for paying the rent in full, regardless of who’s supposed to be ponying up the payment. So, when one tenant can’t — or won’t — pay rent, what options do you have to minimize the damage? While each tenant may be responsible for their own share, you can all be evicted even if one person falls short.
Talk to Your Roommate About the Rent
Getting a better understanding of the situation is the first step to remedying a case in which a roommate won’t pay rent. Talk with your roommate and find out if this is a one-time slip, or if you may have a recurring issue on your hands. One incomplete rent payment is one thing; maybe your roommate had some large bills, or perhaps they’re in between jobs. This is also the perfect opportunity to see if they can afford a partial rent payment, which can go a long way to appeasing your landlord or property manager.
If it appears that your roommate won’t be able to make rent payments consistently, it’s time to start weighing your options. It might be time to find a new roommate, or to leave your rental altogether before you wind up with an eviction on your record.
Inform Your Landlord of the Situation
Making your property manager or landlord aware of the situation is also a wise idea, even if you think the issue is a one-time thing. Explain the problem to your landlord, who will appreciate being made aware of what’s going on. They may be understanding and give you a few extra days to come up with the rest of the rent, or even give you a pass on late fees should the amount be too much to make up. Informing your landlord or property manager is also the first step in building your case should the situation with the roommate who won’t pay rent worsens. Your property manager may be more inclined to let you out of the lease or give you a break as you look for a new co-tenant.
Document Your Roommate's Behavior
If you think the situation with your roommate will be a recurring problem, it’s best to be prepared should you need to take legal action. Start compiling any documentation outlining what each roommate is responsible for regarding rent and how far behind your roommate is on payments. Include dates of any partial rent payments or past-due payments that your roommate made as well. It’s also wise to document your communication. This way, you can prove that your roommate was made aware of their past due rent, and that you did what you could to remedy the situation. Consider archiving emails, text messages, voice memos, or anything concerning the scenario. You’ll need this type of support if you have to take your roommate to court to recoup the expenses from covering their rent or getting evicted.
Start the Search for a New Roommate
A one-time slip-up on rent isn’t uncommon, but if you’re dealing with a roommate who consistently comes up short, your best option may be to start looking for a new one. This process may begin with a difficult conversation with your fellow tenant. Remind them that you both signed a lease and agreed to pay a set amount every month, and since they’re not holding up their end of the deal, it’s time for them to go. This can be a difficult scenario to find yourself in. If it’s hard for your roommate to pay the current rent amount, it may be even more difficult for them to find the money to get a new place. However, remind them that their behavior puts your living situation in jeopardy too. Explain that your finances, credit, and living arrangements are also on the line.
When starting your new roommate search, do your due diligence to ensure that they have consistent income to cover their share of the rent. It’s also wise to explain what happened with your last roommate, and that it’s a scenario you want to avoid in the future.
Background and Credit Checks Are Your Friends
If you’ve dealt with a roommate who couldn’t pay rent in the past, or you just want to avoid the scenario, there are a few ways to prevent it. Start by drawing up a separate roommate contract between you and your roommate, one separate from your lease. Be sure to outline who is responsible for their share of the rent, whether you split it down the middle or pay different amounts based on room size. Should things go south, this document will be your best defense in small claims court.
Be diligent and ask the landlord to complete a background, credit, and income check. Make sure candidates earn at least three times the rent and have a steady income. If not, they should be signing with a co-signer or guarantor.
You should also be communicative. By fostering an environment that encourages open lines of communication, you and your roommates should have no problems discussing any potential issues, especially as they relate to rent.
Any time a roommate falls behind on rent, stress may get the better of you. But regardless of whether your roommate is financially unable or simply refuses to pay rent, it’s important to talk to them about it. Discuss the matter with your property manager or landlord too. If the problem persists, keep a record of communication and past payments in the event you have to take your roommate to court. When it comes to prevention, a having a thorough background and credit check conducted by your landlord, along with proof of income, should reduce your chances of shacking up with a roommate who can’t afford the rent.
