If you are experiencing some sort of hardship, it will have a significant impact on every element of your financial life. This includes your ability to pay your rent. If you don’t pay your rent, your landlord will eventually take out legal action, leading to an eviction notice. You can avoid this by being open and honest about your situation. If you write a detailed hardship letter delinquent rent, which explains why you are in the situation that you are in, there is a chance that your landlord will be sympathetic to your situation.
Why Your Landlord May Agree to Your Request
Generally speaking, taking legal action against a delinquent tenant is very expensive. It also means that once you have been evicted, significant repairs will have to be made on the property and that a new tenant will have to be found. Hence, it is easier for a landlord to give you some leniency if you can demonstrate that your situation is temporary and that you are doing all that you can to change the situation for the better.
Tips on Writing a Hardship Letter Delinquent Rent
- Place your landlord’s name and address at the top of the letter, and make sure that you date it. Start your letter formally, using the word “Dear”, followed by the name of your landlord.
- Begin by telling your landlord that you are aware of the fact that you are delinquent in your rent and apologize. Make sure that you write down all the positive things that you have done as a tenant during your time in the property. For instance, describe how your apartment has always remained clean and orderly, and that you have always made your payments on time so far, if those are true.
- Explain that you are currently experiencing financial hardship, and what has caused this. Make sure that you provide as much detail as possible that explain why your rent is still unpaid. For instance, if you have been in the hospital, facing not just expensive medical bills but also loss of income as a result of not being able to go to work, then you need to include all the relevant data and the costs associated with that.
- Only provide facts and be clear and concise. Your landlord is looking for facts, not for emotions. He or she will be able to understand the situation that you are in and you do not need to explain how you feel. Just be sincere and polite, which is what will get you sympathy.
- Inform the landlord about your plan for resolving your current situation. Develop an installment plan that you think you can afford. Indicate if you will be missing any future rent payments and, if so, how the shortfall be paid over time. Make sure that you demonstrate that you are proactive, and that you do not foresee the situation to last for a long time. Thank your landlord in advance for understanding the situation and giving you some consideration.
Hardship Letter Delinquent Rent Example
{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Date}
Dear {Landlord Name}:
I find that due to {brief description of hardship}, I am unable to pay next month’s rent by {due date}. These circumstances were unforeseen and a one-time occurrence.
I have always understood the importance of paying my bills in a timely manner, and I would like to be proactive in finding a solution for this unfortunate situation. I would like to request {an installment plan, interest on my next rent, etc.} to make sure that you get the full rental amount as quickly as possible.
I’m sorry to inconvenience you, and I appreciate your understanding during this difficult situation. Thank you for your consideration.
Thank you,
{Sender Name}