Payment Plans With Tenants: What to Know

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many landlords are having an especially difficult time collecting rent from tenants. As the courts will be closed for the near future, landlords are best off trying to work out disputes with tenants on their own. Payment plans with tenants are a great option for attempting to resolve non-payment of rent.

Put Everything in Writing

Oral agreements are always problematic, particularly with any matter concerning real estate. With this in mind, repayment plans with tenants should always be in writing, and include the relevant details about the agreement. In particular, these agreements should state the total amount of owed rent, and when payments are to be made. Aim to be as specific as possible.

Reference The Original Tenancy Agreement And Your Intention to Preserve It

Payment plans with tenants should similarly reference the original tenancy agreement, and your intention to preserve it. Landlords need to be careful about entering into an agreement that could be considered a new tenancy agreement. Be clear that the payment plan is just that: an agreement for the tenant to repay the owed rent and preserve the existing tenancy, and not a new lease or tenancy agreement.

Encourage Tenants To Seek Rental Assistance

Given the enormous economic impacts of coronavirus, there are new resources available for tenants who cannot afford rent. Massachusetts’s Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, for example, provides short-term assistance for tenants facing eviction. Massachusetts has recently increased funding for RAFT and similar tenant protection programs, and I won’t be surprised if additional aid is approved later on.

Landlords should absolutely encourage tenants to apply for such programs during this crisis. Such efforts can help landlords get their rent and avoid an eviction case after the pandemic passes.

Landlords, however, need to carefully review any paperwork for RAFT and other tenant protection programs. Some of these programs impose obligations on landlords, and landlords need to be certain that they can and will comply with any such requirements.

Conclusion

If you need assistance with a landlord-tenant matter, contact me for a consultation.