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If you can’t pay your rent…

Sometimes life happens. Circumstances change, employment ends, relationships dissolve, illness occurs. Events don’t turn out as you’d hoped.

But what should you do if those circumstances mean you can’t meet the obligations of your rental agreement and you’re struggling to pay your rent?

Well, it’s all about being open, honest and proactive. Here’s what to do if you can’t pay your rent.

Communicate proactively

Regardless of why you’re struggling to pay your rent, it’s important to reach out to your property manager and communicate the problem early.

Call your property manager, speak with them in person, outline the circumstances of what’s going on and seek their guidance on what to do next.

Your property manager will then contact the property owner and work out where to from here.

But the most important element here is that proactive communication. The last thing you want to do is fall into rental arrears and receive a breach notice.  

Come to an arrangement

If you’re a good renter and your property manager and property owner are kept abreast of what’s going on, chances are they will endeavour to come to some sort of arrangement as you navigate your way through a period of financial stress.

This might mean they defer part or all of the rental payments until you’re back on your feet. The most important thing here is to work with the property manager and owner, putting forward potential solutions and then honouring that arrangement.

Seek assistance

There are a number of organisations which can potentially provide assistance in the instance that you’re struggling to pay your rent.

They include:

  • Centrelink (JobSeeker, Family Assistance, Rent Assistance)
  • Charities
  • A Rental Security Subsidy (in states such as Queensland)
  • Family or friends

Ending the lease

In most states and territories, financial hardship is considered a valid reason to break your rental agreement.

Check your state’s rental law to see whether this applies to you, and consider whether it’s the avenue you wish to pursue.

In reality, this is a worst case scenario as you will still need to seek alternative accommodation.

Open and honest

We cannot stress enough the importance of being open, honest and proactive in the case that your financial situation changes and you cannot pay your rent.

The reality is, if you have been a consistent renter who has been at the property for a long period, has looked after the property and previously paid the rent on time, then chances are the property manager and owner will seek to work with you to find a suitable interim solution as you get back on your feet.

But they can only do so if you’re open, honest and willing to work with them from the outset.

How we can help

Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.

We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.

Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.