I own a house & rent a room to a housemate. they’ve been late paying ever since moving in 18 months ago. Usually 2-3 days late, which is annoying.
They’re not my favourite housemate of the many I’ve had tbh, they moved all their junk into the garage so one side is full of their stuff. at one stage used my laundry to wash and dry clothes all week for a clothes sale when I pay all bills (washing through the evening, using the dryer overnight etc). They’ll do washing and then leave clothes on the line for 3-4 days in a row, etc.
A complication is they’re going through cancer treatment. I’ve tried to be compassionate and let their sister from Korea stay for free during treatment for a month. Usually I let it slide if payments are a few days late.
Lately it’s gotten worse with payments tho. I’ve had to send a reminder after 4 days, and they immediately paid, but then went back to late again 2 wks later.
Recently they went 3 days late again, they messaged to say they’ve changed employer and will pay on mon or tues this week. except it’s now wed night, and nothing received.
This morning I msgd to ask for payment as it’s been a week overdue now, no reply or payment yet.
Would I be an asshole if I start heading towards giving notice or at least suggesting the arrangement will have to be reviewed in the new year? Other option is I advise late payments will incur a $50 fee. TBH I kind of want them gone. I am tired of having to check my account each day to find nothing there, having to fork out on bills and miss payments etc and stress about how to handle the late payment. Thanks all
2-3 days late? Bruv that’s nothing. I have a housemate who pays anywhere from the 14th-28th loool. But he’s struggling so I’m trying to be a decent person. And this guy DOESN’T have cancer. If it’s bothering you that much you should be more communicative. Ask if you can set an automatic bank payment, or find out why this is happening in the first place.
INFO did they sign a lease? If it’s already at the month to month stage, maybe it’s better to give them 60 days notice to vacate.
It might be good for your peace of mind to have a buffer in your checking account of 1-3 months rent so that the late payments don’t snowball into other financial issues.
I don’t know if it’s still the same but decades ago my apartment complex used to have a 5 day grace period before incurring late fees and having to pay by money order.
It’s up to you whether you want to start eviction proceedings (will they leave willingly?) or draw up a stricter lease. This isn’t a “til death do us part” arrangement (or at least I hope not).
YTA You have lived with someone for 18 months and they are going through cancer treatment. I would have a massive talk with them about what is going on before I resorted to kicking them out. I understand that you don’t have to subsidise their life but jeez kicking out someone when they have cancer is harsh.
Perhaps they could put the rental payments on a direct debit so that the amount automatically comes out without them having to remember.
They’re going through cancer treatment and they’re only two to three days late paying their rent. And they leave their clothes hanging on the line for more than one day.
Why are you asking us? You know you’re an asshole for this. Do you have any idea what cancer treatment does to someone? She’s sick, she’s tired. Try to imagine the last time that you had the flu and didn’t feel like moving. Maybe that can give you an ounce of compassion for someone going through hell.
YTA