Can a landlord make you pay rent early?

Asked by: Sage Boyle  |  Last update: June 14, 2025
Score: 5/5 (61 votes)

A: As a landlord in New York State, it is legal to accept advance rent payments from a tenant, as long as you are not requiring it as a condition of the lease.

Can a landlord force you to pay rent early?

Definitely not. The terms of when rent is due — usually on the first of the month — are clearly laid out in your lease agreement. If your lease terms says rent is due on the first, then that's the law of the land (or at least, your apartment).

What cannot a landlord do in Idaho?

Housing Discrimination in Idaho

According to the Idaho Human Rights Commission and the Fair Housing Act, landlords must not discriminate against their tenant based on their familial status, color, race, national origin, religion, or disability.

Is it normal to pay rent before moving in?

Yes, it is. When you first move into an apartment, it's usually expected to pay the rent upfront. So, before you can officially settle in, you'll need to make sure you have the first month's rent ready to go. It's always a good idea to double-check with your landlord about the payment details to avoid any surprises.

How late can rent be in Kentucky?

Landlords in Kentucky can charge late fees if rent is not paid on time. While the state does not set a maximum late fee, it must be reasonable and outlined in the lease agreement. If rent remains unpaid, landlords can issue a 7-Day Notice to Pay. Failure to comply may lead to eviction proceedings.

Tenants Moving In Without Paying Rent? Landlords Beware!

31 related questions found

What are renters' rights in Kentucky?

Kentucky tenant rights allow tenants to request landlord repairs to keep the property in working order. If the repair is $100 or half the cost of rent, or the landlord does not complete a requested repair within 14 days, tenants may conduct the repair and deduct the cost from the rent (KRS 383.635).

How far behind in rent before eviction in Kentucky?

Before starting the eviction process, a landlord must give the tenant a written 7-Days Notice to Pay once rent is past due. This gives the tenant 7 days to pay rent or leave the rental unit. This notice period applies if the rental property is within the jurisdiction of the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Is it wrong to pay rent early?

As a landlord, I know who usually pays early, who usually pays on time, and who usually pays late. As a general rule tenants who pay early are my best and most favored tenants. There is no problem or issue at all. I will tell you that an offer to pay several months ahead is viewed with great suspicion.

What if I don't make three times the rent?

However, some places or states have a law stating that landlords cannot ask for 3x of the rent anymore. For example, such a law has existed in California since 1 July 2024 to make it easier to rent an apartment even if the income doesn't exceed three times the rent law.

Why do you pay first month's rent in advance?

Collecting the first and last month's rent upfront is a strategy that many landlords and property managers use to mitigate the risk of late and missed rent payments.

Can a landlord curse at a tenant?

Ok, then if the landlord is threatening you, you can call the police and file a formal criminal complaint for harassment. But if they are simply cursing, even at you, that is unfortunately legal as a person as first Amendment rights to express themselves, even using foul language.

What annoys landlords?

8 Things That Annoy Landlords
  • Boiler Breakdown.
  • Clogged Or Malfunctioning Drain.
  • Issues With Major Appliances.
  • Signs Of Mould.
  • Vacancies.
  • Late Rent Payments Or Nonpayment.
  • General Wear And Tear.
  • How Tenants Have Gotten Revenge On Landlords.

Can landlord go through your things?

Landlords are not entitled to go through your unit and belongings at will.

How do I tell my landlord I can't pay rent on time?

Contact your landlord as soon as you know you won't be able to pay your rent on time. You can make a formal request in writing for an extension on your due date. Your landlord isn't required to grant your request, but if you give them plenty of warning they may be able to work with you.

Can I be evicted if I already paid rent?

If I pay the rent can I still be evicted? If your landlord wants to evict you because you owe rent or other fees, you can pay all of the rent, late fees, and other costs on or before the first hearing date, and your landlord will not be able to evict you.

Will my landlord let me move in early?

Whenever you want to move in earlier than when your lease begins, just ask your landlord. Discuss with them the details of paying your deposit, and paying prorated rent. And sometimes, renters can even offer to clean the apartment themselves, if the landlord will let them move in early.

How many times can you miss rent?

There's no rule for this. It depends entirely on the landlord and the relationship they have with the tenant. Some landlords will sue for eviction after one late payment. Other landlords will keep a tenant even if every payment is late.

How much rent can I afford making $17 an hour?

If you make $17 an hour, then you make around $35,360 a year assuming you work 52 weeks a year, at 40 hours a week. This means you can spend around $884 a month on Rent. Using the 30% Rule. Using the 3X rule (33% of your monthly income), you could afford around $982 a month.

Is it bad to pay rent after the 1st?

It depends on your state or locality. In CA there is a 5 day “grace” period, after which the rent is officially late and the tenant can be served with a 3-Day notice to pay or quit.

Which day is good to pay rent?

Consider Your Payment Cycle

If you pay monthly bills on the 15th, you might want to set your rent due date on the 1st. If your payments are made semi-monthly, and you get paid on the 1st and 15th, the middle of the month might be a better choice for you.

What is the meaning of 1 month advance rent?

One Month Advance Rent: This is the payment for the first month of tenancy. Two Months Security Deposit: This serves as security against damages to the property or unpaid rent. It should be refundable at the end of the lease term, subject to deductions for any damage or unpaid obligations.

How late can you be on rent in Kentucky?

Rent and Fees

Rent Increases: Rent control is banned in Kentucky (KRS § 65.875). Late Fees: There is no statutory limit on late fees in Kentucky. Grace Period: There is no mandatory grace period in Kentucky.

Can my landlord kick me out if I lose my job?

Usually, job loss is not specifically included in lease agreements as grounds for eviction. Many landlords do ask for verification of income before leasing an apartment, and may well decline to renew a lease if you no longer have an income.

How do I delay an eviction in Kentucky?

To delay an eviction in Kentucky, a tenant can request a continuance in court, negotiate with the landlord, or contest the eviction on legal grounds such as improper notice or violation of tenant rights.