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How can I deal with a tenant who is persistently late in paying the monthly rent?

How can I deal with a tenant who is persistently late in paying the monthly rent?

Q: Can you rent an apartment by yourself?

Yes, you can rent an apartment by yourself if you meet the landlord's requirements. Typically, landlords will consider your income, credit history, and rental history when approving your application. If you have a stable income and can demonstrate your ability to pay rent, you should be able to secure a lease on your own.

Full question:

I have let out a studio apartment that I own in Grand Rapids for a monthly rent of $600. The tenant was prompt in paying his rent for the first 5 months on the 1st of every month by check drawn in my name as promised by him in the lease agreement. From the 6th month onwards, he has been messing up the payment dates but still managed to pay me the rent before the 8th of every month. We are into the 10th month of a one year lease. Last month, he paid his rent on the 20th. This is causing a lot of inconvenience for me as I have to manage my bills based on the income I derive from all sources. What are my options in such situation?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Residential Lease
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Michigan

Answer:

One of the foremost reasons to seek eviction of a tenant is the non-payment of rent or persistent delay in payment of rent. If the tenant fails to pay their rent on time, remind him or her of the past-due rent. Landlords can give tenants a Late Rent Notice to prompt them to pay this delinquent rent within a certain time period.

If your tenants are always late paying the rent, you should be serving them with the notice of non-payment of rent (Form N4) which gives them fourteen days to pay the arrears.

If they do not pay within that time or make only a partial payment then you can apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board after the fourteen days are up. However, if they do pay up you will have to wait until the next time they are late and serve the N4 again. You may have to do this several times before attempting to evict them based on persistent late payment of rent, at which point you would serve a Form N8.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can I rent out an apartment I own?

Yes, you can rent out an apartment you own. As the property owner, you have the right to lease your apartment to tenants. However, you must comply with local laws and regulations, including obtaining any necessary permits or licenses. It's also important to draft a clear lease agreement that outlines the terms of the rental, such as rent amount, payment due dates, and tenant responsibilities.

How does a month-to-month lease work in Michigan?

In Michigan, a month-to-month lease is a rental agreement that automatically renews each month until either the landlord or tenant gives notice to terminate. Typically, either party must provide a written notice at least one month before the intended termination date. This type of lease offers flexibility but also requires both parties to adhere to the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

Is it profitable to rent out an apartment?

Renting out an apartment can be profitable if managed well. Factors such as location, rental demand, and property maintenance play significant roles in profitability. It's essential to consider expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs when calculating potential profits. Conducting thorough market research can help you set competitive rent prices and maximize your income.

What are renters' rights in Michigan?

In Michigan, renters have several rights, including the right to a habitable living space, privacy, and protection from retaliation for exercising their rights. Landlords must provide proper notice before entering the rental unit and cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, gender, or other protected characteristics. Tenants also have the right to organize and seek repairs for unsafe living conditions.