How to talk to your landlord about a payment plan

Introduction

If you are worried you cannot pay rent on time, you are not alone. Health expenses, caregiving responsibilities, job changes, and other life events can make it hard to keep up with bills.

The most important step is often the simplest: reach out early and start a practical conversation. Many landlords would rather receive rent through a plan than go through an eviction process, which can be costly and stressful for everyone.

This guide walks you through how to prepare, what to say, what options to ask for, and how to protect yourself by getting any agreement in writing.

Content

• Why reaching out early matters
• Get ready before you contact your landlord
• Payment plan options you can ask about
• How to start the conversation
• How to propose a realistic repayment plan
• Put the agreement in writing and keep records
• If you receive an eviction notice or lawsuit
• Special considerations for older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities
• Taking care of yourself during financial stress
• Understood Care resources that may help
• FAQ
• References

Why reaching out early matters

When rent is late, stress rises quickly. But early communication can lower the temperature and open options.

Reaching out before rent is due, or as soon as you realize you will be short, helps you:

• Show good faith and responsibility.
• Give your landlord time to consider alternatives.
• Avoid misunderstandings that can escalate into notices or court filings.
• Focus on problem-solving instead of panic.

Even if you feel embarrassed, a calm, straightforward message is usually more effective than waiting until your landlord has to chase you.

Get ready before you contact your landlord

You do not need a perfect plan. You do need a realistic one.

Know what you can pay and when

Before you contact your landlord, take 15 minutes to map out:

• How much you can pay right now
• How much you can pay each pay period or each month
• When you expect your next income, benefit payment, or other funds
• What other bills must be paid first (utilities, medication, food)

If you are not sure, it is okay to start with a smaller, safer offer. A payment plan that you can actually follow is better than an optimistic plan you cannot keep.

Review your lease and your rent history

Look for the parts of your lease that explain:

• Rent due date
• Late fees and when they apply
• How payments must be made (online portal, check, etc.)
• Any grace period (if listed)
• Any rules about partial payments (some leases address this)

Also check your recent payment history so you can speak clearly about what is owed and when you usually pay.

Gather a simple timeline and documentation

You do not have to overshare. But it helps to be prepared with:

• The date your hardship started (for example, hospitalization, caregiving shift, reduced hours)
• A short description of what changed
• Any proof you may need later (pay stubs, benefit letters, medical bills, discharge paperwork)

If you are applying for rental assistance or other help, note where you are in the process so you can update your landlord.

Payment plan options you can ask about

Many payment solutions are variations of a few common approaches. You can bring more than one option to the conversation, so your landlord can choose what works best on their side.

Adjusting due dates or splitting payments

If paying a full month’s rent at once is the problem, ask if the due date can better match your pay schedule.

Examples you can propose:

• Pay half on the 1st and half on the 15th
• Pay on your payday each month
• Move the due date to a day that aligns with benefits or retirement income

This can be especially helpful for older adults on fixed incomes or for caregivers whose schedules affect cash flow.

Waiving late fees

If you can pay most of the rent but not all of it, ask whether late fees can be waived temporarily if you pay an agreed amount consistently.

This can make your plan more achievable and reduce the chance you fall further behind.

Temporary lower monthly payments

If the next few months are the hardest, you can ask whether your landlord will accept a smaller rent payment for a limited period, with a plan to catch up later.

This option works best when you can clearly explain:

• Why the hardship is temporary
• When you expect income to stabilize
• How you will repay the difference

Repayment plan for past due rent

A repayment plan usually means you pay your normal rent plus an extra amount toward back rent for a set number of months.

Common repayment structures:

• Add a fixed amount each month (for example, rent + $100)
• Spread the back rent over 6 to 12 months
• Make a larger “catch-up” payment when you expect funds (for example, a benefit payment or bonus) and smaller amounts in the meantime

How to start the conversation

How you start matters as much as what you ask for. You are trying to make it easy for your landlord to say yes.

Choose a calm, clear channel

If possible, use a method that creates a record:

• Email
• The landlord’s payment portal message system
• A written letter (photo or copy saved)

If you call or speak in person, follow up with a short written summary of what you discussed.

What to include in your first message

Try to keep your first message short and specific. Include:

• A clear statement that you want to work it out
• The problem (you will be late or short)
• What you can pay now (if anything)
• A proposed plan and timeline
• A request to confirm in writing

It can also help to briefly explain why staying housed matters to you, especially if you have strong ties to the home or neighborhood (work, school, caregiving responsibilities, medical care nearby). You do not need to share private details, just enough to show this is important and you are taking it seriously.

A simple message you can copy and edit

• Hello [Landlord or Property Manager Name],
• I am reaching out because I am having trouble paying my full rent on [due date].
• I want to work this out and stay current going forward.
• I can pay $[amount] on [date], and I would like to set up a repayment plan for the remaining balance.
• Would you be open to a plan where I pay $[monthly amount] toward back rent for [number] months, in addition to my regular rent?
• Please let me know a time we can talk this week, and I’d appreciate confirming any agreement in writing.
• Thank you,
• [Your name, unit number, best phone number]

If you are applying for rental assistance, you can add one sentence:

• I am also applying for rental assistance and can share updates if needed.

How to propose a realistic repayment plan

Build a plan you can follow

A workable plan is usually:

• Simple
• Predictable
• Tied to your pay schedule
• Honest about what you can afford

When you propose a plan, be ready to answer:

• How much can you pay now?
• How much can you pay each month?
• When will you start?
• When will the balance be fully repaid?

If your landlord suggests a plan that feels too high, you can counter with a smaller number instead of saying no.

Examples of repayment plan proposals

You can tailor these to your situation:

• “I can pay $400 now, then rent + $100 for the next 8 months.”
• “I get paid every other Friday. Can we split rent into two payments each month?”
• “For the next 2 months, I can pay a reduced amount, then return to full rent plus $150 toward back rent starting [date].”
• “I expect funds on [date]. I can make a larger payment then, and smaller payments until that date.”

Ask about rental assistance and housing counseling support

If your income dropped or an emergency happened, help may still be available through local programs.

Two types of support that may be worth exploring early:

• Housing counseling agencies (often free or low cost) that can help you understand options and make a plan.
• Legal aid or tenant help resources if you are facing eviction, have received a notice, or feel pressured into signing something you do not understand.

If you are unsure where to start, a housing counselor or legal aid office can help you understand your local rules and timelines.

Put the agreement in writing and keep records

Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings. Written agreements protect both sides.

What to include in a rent repayment agreement

Ask for a written agreement that clearly states:

• Total past due amount (back rent)
• Your regular monthly rent amount
• The extra amount you will pay and how often
• Due dates for each payment
• How and where payments should be made
• Whether late fees are waived, reduced, or still applied
• What happens if you miss a payment
• When the agreement ends (the payoff date)
• Who to contact if there is a problem

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before you sign.

Keep your own records

Create one folder (paper or digital) and keep:

• Copies of all messages and letters
• Screenshots of portal messages
• Receipts or confirmations for each payment
• A simple payment log with dates and amounts
• Notes from phone calls (date, time, who you spoke with, what was said)

Good records are helpful even if everything goes smoothly, and they are critical if a dispute arises later.

If you receive an eviction notice or lawsuit

If you receive a demand for payment, an eviction notice, or court papers, do not ignore it.

Eviction processes and timelines vary by state and city, and deadlines can come fast.

If an eviction lawsuit has not been filed

If you are behind but not in court yet, it may still be a good time to:

• Contact your landlord immediately to propose a plan
• Ask if they are willing to pause further steps while you make payments
• Seek housing counseling or legal advice so you understand your options

If an eviction lawsuit has been filed

If you have been served court paperwork:

• Read every page and note deadlines
• Show up to any hearing date (missing court can lead to a default judgment)
• Get legal help as soon as possible, even if you think you cannot afford it
• Bring your payment records and any written agreement to court

Important: In some places, making or offering partial payments can affect how an eviction case proceeds. If you already received a notice or lawsuit, consider checking with legal aid before making a partial payment, so you do not accidentally harm your position.

Special considerations for older adults, caregivers, and people with disabilities

Financial strain often hits harder when you are also managing health needs, mobility limitations, or caregiving duties.

If you are helping someone else

If you are a caregiver helping a parent, partner, or older adult:

• Get permission to speak with the landlord if possible
• Ask the landlord what documentation they need to talk with you
• Offer to join calls, help write messages, and organize paperwork
• Create a shared calendar for payment dates and reminders
• Consider a simple one-page budget to prevent future surprises

If disability affects your ability to follow a rent rule

If you have a disability, the Fair Housing Act can require housing providers to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when needed for equal opportunity to use and enjoy a home.

What this can mean in real life:

• You may be able to request an adjustment to a rule or process if your disability makes it harder to comply.
• A request does not have to be made in a special format, and it can be made by someone assisting you.
• It helps to explain what change you are requesting and how it relates to your disability.

If you think this applies to you, consider getting guidance from a housing counselor or legal aid organization so you request the accommodation clearly and appropriately.

Watch for rental assistance and payment scams

When you are stressed and looking for help, scammers may try to take advantage of you.

Warning signs can include:

• Pressure to “act now” with no time to read or ask questions
• Requests to pay by gift card, prepaid card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
• Requests for account passwords or access to your money
• Someone claiming to be a government agency or program but asking for unusual payment methods

If something feels off, pause and verify before you pay or share personal information.

Taking care of yourself during financial stress

Money problems and housing uncertainty are major stressors. Stress can affect sleep, concentration, mood, and physical health, especially when it becomes long-term.

If you are overwhelmed:

• Try to break tasks into a short checklist for today (one message, one phone call, one document)
• Ask a trusted person to sit with you while you write your message or review an agreement
• If you notice persistent sleep problems, worsening anxiety, or worsening health symptoms, consider talking with a clinician or mental health professional

You deserve support while you handle the practical steps.

Understood Care resources that may help

If health costs, insurance confusion, or caregiving demands are contributing to financial strain, these Understood Care services may support you:

• Medical bill review and understanding charges: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/analyze-bills
• Help applying for financial assistance programs: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/application-help
• Support organizing communication and follow-ups: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/communication
• Help finding community and support resources: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/social-support
• Help lowering prescription costs when medications strain your budget: https://understoodcare.com/care-types/lower-costs-of-medication‍

FAQ

• How do I ask my landlord for a rent payment plan?
  Reach out early, explain that you want to work it out, and propose a clear plan with specific dates and amounts. Offer a few options and ask to confirm the agreement in writing.
• What should I include in a rent repayment agreement?
  Include the total past due amount, your regular rent, the extra payment amount, due dates, payment method, whether late fees are waived, and what happens if a payment is missed.
• Can my landlord evict me if I request a payment plan?
  Landlord-tenant rules vary by location. Requesting a plan does not automatically stop eviction steps, which is why it is important to communicate early, document everything, and seek legal help quickly if you receive notices or court papers.
• Should I pay partial rent if I cannot pay the full amount?
  Paying what you can may show good faith, but partial payments can have different legal effects depending on where you live and whether you have received an eviction notice or lawsuit. If you are already in a formal eviction process, consider getting legal guidance first.
• What is a reasonable timeline for a rent repayment plan?
  Many repayment plans spread back rent over several months, often 6 to 12 months, by adding a fixed amount to each month’s rent. The best timeline is one you can reliably follow.
• How can I negotiate late fees with my landlord?
  You can ask for late fees to be waived or reduced temporarily if you make consistent payments under an agreed plan. Put any fee changes in writing.
• What should I do if I receive an eviction notice or eviction lawsuit?
  Do not ignore it. Read deadlines carefully, show up to court dates, gather your records, and seek legal help as soon as possible.
• Can a disability affect my options for a payment plan or due date change?
  If you have a disability, you may be able to request a reasonable accommodation related to housing rules or processes. It may help to get guidance from housing counseling or legal aid so you request what you need clearly and appropriately.

References

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Start a conversation about rent repayment. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-renters/start-a-conversation-about-rent-repayment/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Help for renters. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-renters/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). What to do if you’re facing eviction. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/housing/housing-insecurity/help-for-renters/what-to-do-if-youre-facing-eviction/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Get help paying rent. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/get-help-paying-rent/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Find a housing counselor. https://www.consumerfinance.gov/find-a-housing-counselor/
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Housing counseling. https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
• Legal Services Corporation (LSC). I Need Legal Help. https://www.lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help
• National Library of Medicine (NIH). MedlinePlus: Stress. https://medlineplus.gov/stress.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Managing stress. https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/living-with/index.html
• U.S. Department of the Treasury. Emergency Rental Assistance Program. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). What are some classic warning signs of possible fraud and scams? https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-some-classic-warning-signs-of-possible-fraud-and-scams-en-2094/
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Joint Statement: Reasonable Accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (PDF). https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/huddojstatement.pdf
• JAMA Network Open. Association of Promoting Housing Affordability and Stability With Improved Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798095