Question regarding my landlord

[lila]

Dax - In my experience, you can cash a check that has been post dated before the date written on the check. The fact that a later date was written in was meaningless. I don't know if this varies by state, but I think you should ask your bank before you rely on this technique.

 

[bumbershoot]

Putting this to rest as I read the last of the responses..

For the final clear up...My rent payment is DUE ON the 10th. This was worked out BEFORE we moved in based on how my paychecks came..it was HIS choice, he gave me kike 3 dates to choose from, I chose the 10th. When I lost my job, I called HIM FIRST and told him. He told me nothing would change. I usually make sure he HAS THE CHECK by the 1st, but it is usually post dated for when he CAN deposit it and that date is ALWAYS before the 10th.

What part of ALL CHECKS were given to him by the 10th is SO hard for people to see...I HAVE NEVER BEEN LATE 1X

The part you are focusing on is the tiniest bit of what people are concerned about. Seriously. You just confused us with the wording in your first post, and what *seemed* like a different thing you said later. Totally easy to clear up without emotions. And it sounded like you were saying he had the check in hand by the 10th, but you were asking him to not cash it until a certain date; I'm fairly sure you mentioned the 13th for one of those. That's where the confusion comes in.

But honestly, the big reaction you're having to this blip of a question isn't right.


The biggest issue is that you have a great landlord, who you've just told us is new to this. Especially if his wife was unaware of his deal with you, and now she's aware, this ease isn't likely to last long...and it will end faster if the $20 is made into a big deal. That will affect you and any future tenants he has. The $20 is a big deal to you (many of us understand this, I only read ONE person saying that it wasn't much money) but it's an even bigger deal in this situation, b/c going for it will seem petty and ungrateful, and it *could* damage his easy-going nature as a landlord.

 

[vgrandy]

So since I have been unemployed, my landlord is SUPER understanding when it comes to getting his rent check. We have an understanding that he will get his money, just not always on the 1st of the month. Since I have been out of work and on unemployment, I have never had a check bounce, so the deal is working.

Why would he expect the money on the 1st if your lease says your rent is due on the 10th? This is the part that has people confused.

 

[Judique]

So since I have been unemployed, my landlord is SUPER understanding when it comes to getting his rent check. We have an understanding that he will get his money, just not always on the 1st of the month. Since I have been out of work and on unemployment, I have never had a check bounce, so the deal is working.

He came to my house last Saturday to do some minor work, and he also picked up the check, which he has done prior. Because I wasnt sure of the EXACT date of when the check could be cashed, I left the date blank..I have done this before and he just fills it in when he cashes it. I told him I would let him know AS SOON as he could use the check, and all was fine. We have done this in the past with zero issue..

Well I am sure many can see where this is going...My landlord's wife cashed the check on Tuesday. When it cleared the bank on Wed, I did not have the funds, because 1) Unemployment comes on Thurs, Friday if holiday and 2)The last rent check was cashed on 11/13 so it was only like 2 weeks since last check.

My account was $-258.00 on Thanksgiving day, and my electric was due, or a shutoff was gonna occur. The bank DID pay the check(credit union) and I only got charged a $20 fee for the cover. I called my landlord in a panic, and he actually paid my electric, as it was his mistake and he felt horrible.

My question is this...When January comes around, should I deduct the $20 fee from the rent? Everyone I have talked to says I should..he really left me in a major money lurch this week, as what little saving I had is gone now, and all my hubbies check, and MOST of my unemployment all went to the overdraft, leaving me with very little this week for anything. Thank goodness I had family in town..

So what you think I should do?

Okay, I am trying to understand this. Are you saying that November's check was cashed on Nov 13 and you gave him December's check undated on November 24 (Tuesday before Thanksgiving) since it was convenient and you saw him when he came to your house? In other words, did you give him his check a week or so earlier then the actual due date for convenience with the understanding it wouldn't be cashed until the first of the month (December) or later?

If so, I understand your question and it makes some sense.

That said, I would go with the opinions of all other posters - he helped you mess yourself up(you wrote the check) - but it's not worth it to stir the pot. A landlord is only 'new' once and it may well be worth it to keep him friendly - at least worth the 20. You may need some help before things get better - hopefully not, but times are tough for lots of people. Hope things turn around soon!

 

[beth445]

times are tough for everyone, my husband lost his job in January, i totally understand where you are coming from. BUT, your landlord paid your electric bill! You owe him a lot more than the $20 that it cost you. Just as an FYI, it is illegal to write a check and not have the funds in your account. Even writing a post dated check is not legal.

 

[Allison]

Of course not. This guy has been very understanding with you and you want to withhold $20. That's a really bad idea. I would never consider it.

 

[scootch]

He paid your electric bill and he is waiting for his rent till you have it.... wow, you owe him the roof over your head!! He is keeping you from being homeless, no he doesn't owe you $20..... you owe him everything!

 

[Kelsie]

The OP has stated she is done posting to this thread and I think she has enough opinions, so I'm closing this.