Use this letter when a job loss, a cut in hours, a medical bill, or another emergency means you can't pay this month's rent in full and on time. It works best sent before the due date, while you're still in good standing. It explains what happened, offers a specific repayment plan, and asks your landlord to agree in writing — so you have proof of the arrangement if a dispute or an eviction notice comes later.
[YOUR_NAME] [YOUR_ADDRESS] [YOUR_CITY], [YOUR_STATE] [YOUR_ZIP] [DATE] [LANDLORD_NAME] [PROPERTY_MANAGEMENT_COMPANY] (if applicable) [LANDLORD_ADDRESS] [LANDLORD_CITY], [LANDLORD_STATE] [LANDLORD_ZIP] Re: Request for a Rent Payment Plan Rental Unit: [UNIT_ADDRESS], Unit [UNIT_NUMBER] Rent due: [RENT_AMOUNT] on [DUE_DATE] Dear [LANDLORD_NAME], I am writing before my rent is due to let you know that I will not be able to pay the full [RENT_AMOUNT] on [DUE_DATE], and to ask that we agree on a payment plan. [WHAT_HAPPENED — one or two sentences, e.g., "My hours at work were cut in half on [DATE]," or "I had an unexpected medical bill of [AMOUNT] last month." You do not need to share private details.] I have paid my rent on time for [NUMBER] months, and I want to keep it that way. Here is what I can do: 1. Pay [AMOUNT_NOW] on or before [DATE_NOW]. 2. Pay the remaining [REMAINING_AMOUNT] in [NUMBER] payments of [INSTALLMENT_AMOUNT], due on [INSTALLMENT_DATES]. 3. Keep paying my regular rent in full and on time while the plan is running. [OPTIONAL — "I have applied for rental assistance through [PROGRAM_NAME] and expect a decision by [DATE]. If it is approved, the payment will go directly to you."] I am also asking that you [waive the late fee for [MONTH] / not charge late fees while I keep to this plan]. If you accept, please sign below or reply in writing so we both have a record of what we agreed. Thank you for considering this. You can reach me at [YOUR_PHONE] or [YOUR_EMAIL]. Sincerely, [YOUR_NAME] AGREED: Landlord / Agent: ______________________ Date: __________ Tenant: ______________________ Date: __________
Replace all [PLACEHOLDER] fields with your actual information before sending.
Send this before the rent is late if you can — a landlord is far more likely to agree to a plan than to forgive a payment that has already been missed.
Offer a plan you can actually keep. A smaller payment made on time is worth more than a bigger promise you miss.
Explain what happened in a sentence or two. You don't have to share medical or personal details.
Mention your record of paying on time and any rental assistance you've applied for.
Ask for the agreement in writing — a signed copy of this letter or a reply by email — and keep it.
Pay by a method that leaves a record (check, bank transfer, the landlord's online portal), never cash without a receipt.
If you've already received an eviction notice, read its deadline carefully: sending this letter does not pause it.
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