Changing rent payment date?

couldxbe

Hi,

I rent through a lettings agency, and the property is managed through them. I have my standing order set up so that money is taken from my account on 25th, rent is due on 28th. They suggested that I pay a few days early to make sure it arrives on time.

This has never been a problem before, as I have always been paid mid-month. However, I've just received notification that I'll be paid a little differently from now on (3 months in advance on 1st of each quarter, as I receive a university funded PhD stipend).

This has meant that it will be near impossible for me to make the payment on January 28th.

Sorry if this is a little long winded! I was wondering if it is possible to set it so my rent is due on the 1st of every month, and whether this is enough notice. I have only found out this week myself after returning to university.

Also, are the agency being over cautious with regard to leaving three days in between the SO date and the rent due date? As if not, I will have to suggest February 3rd as the best date.

Thanks

grifferz

couldxbe wrote: »

Hi,

I rent through a lettings agency, and the property is managed through them. I have my standing order set up so that money is taken from my account on 25th, rent is due on 28th. They suggested that I pay a few days early to make sure it arrives on time.

This has never been a problem before, as I have always been paid mid-month. However, I've just received notification that I'll be paid a little differently from now on (3 months in advance on 1st of each quarter, as I receive a university funded PhD stipend).

This has meant that it will be near impossible for me to make the payment on January 28th.

Just to be clear are you saying that your rent will be due on 28th January but you are not going to be paid until February 1st, so you can't make payment?

Sorry if this is a little long winded! I was wondering if it is possible to set it so my rent is due on the 1st of every month, and whether this is enough notice. I have only found out this week myself after returning to university.

If I was your landlord I would be unimpressed that you had left it until ~11 days before your rent is due to tell me that you can't pay it. It's hard to believe that this is the first you have heard of such an important issue, and that's probably what your landlord will think too.

Also do bear in mind that if your ability to make your rent payment depends on which day of the month you get paid, that means you do not have enough savings - any crisis can put you in the same situation you are in now. You should try to get out of this situation as soon as you can.

Back to your problem at hand. Could you possibly borrow the money from a friend or relative, promising to pay them back on the 1st? The point being to avoid a late payment to your LL. In the meantime you would be able to ask your landlord if you can move your payment date to 1st of the month from March onwards. This way you would be asking instead of flat out having to tell them, "I cannot pay on time."

Also, are the agency being over cautious with regard to leaving three days in between the SO date and the rent due date? As if not, I will have to suggest February 3rd as the best date.

Thanks

Probably not but if it's already going to be late you may as well tell them you've adjusted the payment date to the 1st since that is the best you can do.

G_M

You can, of course, agree any payment date with your landlord or his agent. LLs tend to me more flexible/understanding than agents, so try speaking direct.

Povided it is agreed, and is clear to both you and the LL what period the rent covers, it does not matter what date it is paid.

If you are paid quarterly, surely this is just a one-off problem this month? You'll then put aside your stipend so can pay on time the following 2 months. Again, most LLs would be understanding about a one-off late payment like this. Especially if you sent a copy of your stipend award showing the date you will receive it?

Kynthia

I wouldn't be too worried if a tenant let me know in advance that they were going to be a few days late with the rent once, and were very apologetic about it. I would think they were rude and disorganised if they didn't tell me in advance. Also your rent needs to arrive in your LL/LA's bank on it's due date and standing orders take two days, therefore your rent should leave your account at least two days before it's due.
I personally wouldn't be keen on a tenant changing the rent payment date. It seems to cause so much confusion regarding notice periods, leaving dates, what dates the rent now covers, part payments if changing the rental periods, etc. If it's a one off problem then can't you borrow the money you need to make your rent payment on time?