Question from a renter?

Question

I drop off checks to the landlord in her mailbox every month but she never cashes them!?

I just dropped off this current months a few days ago and she still hasn’t cashed last months checks. I’ve texted her a couple times about it but no response.

Should I just leave it alone or is there anything I should be worried about? Haha

Thanks!

Josh Bakhshi · Answer

Here is a question... What happens if there is a problem with the house that needs to be fixed???  Who do you contact for that?  In the meantime, I would still send the checks every month, but do it as an online bill pay where your bank mails the check or send it certified.  That would cover you @$$

Grant Delmonte · Answer

Does your landlord have other tenants? Maybe you should ask them if they met the same issue.

Anthony Wick · Answer

@Tyler Harris

So what happened with this? Maybe your landlord passed away or is in jail. How long has this been going on? If everything is good, I’d be very much ok with my landlord not cashing my checks.

James Wise · Answer

Document that you've sent her the checks. Put it in writing that you've paid, take a photo etc. Try to get a receipt from her or at least get her to confirm in writing that she has received your payment.

Theresa Harris · Answer

That seems really odd.  Does she collect the cheques?  If you've tried contacting her to confirm she's received the cheques, keep copies of those.  Do you have a phone number where you can call and leave her a message/talk to her?

In one of the links Patricia provided, they recommend mailing it with some sort of tracking to confirm it was delivered.  Of course the problem is it could be said you mailed something, but was the cheque in it.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Tyler, I found your question so interesting and more than a little unsettling.  Apparently it is not an isolated occurrence but one that you will want to take further action to resolve. Take a look at these articles:

https://streeteasy.com/blog/my-landlord-hasnt-cashed-my-rent-checks-is-that-cool/

https://www.brickunderground.com/rent/nyc-landlord-wait-cash-rent-check

I would send a letter with copies of your unpaid checks to her asking for confirmation of rent paid; you'll want to state in your letter that your attempts to each her by text were not responded to and ask how she would prefer contact be made with her in the future.  Send the letter via certified mail.   And, keep making your payments!

Thanks for sharing this issue.