What do you call someone who doesn't pay rent?

Asked by: Miss Marjolaine Schmeler  |  Last update: February 17, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (37 votes)

Someone who doesn't pay rent can be called a deadbeat, freeloader, or defaulter in informal terms, while legally they are a tenant in rent arrears or a non-paying tenant, facing potential eviction after official notices are issued.

What do you call someone who doesn't pay rent?

A roommate who doesn't pay their share of the rent is a deadbeat. People often talk about deadbeat dads who abandon their children and don't pay child support. A more formal word for a deadbeat is defaulter.

What is the word for unpaid rent?

Being “in rent arrears” is a legal phrase used to describe being late on rent. Tenants in arrears are behind on their rent payments, and they could face eviction depending on their lease agreement and the situational terms. Specifically, “arrears” are amounts of money owed by one party to another.

What is a deadbeat in slang?

Slang "deadbeat" refers to a lazy, irresponsible person who avoids responsibilities, especially paying debts, like a "deadbeat dad" who doesn't pay child support, or someone who shirks financial obligations. It's a derogatory term for someone who sponges off others or neglects duties, though in credit card slang, it surprisingly means someone who pays in full to avoid interest. 

How to deal with someone who doesn't pay rent?

If a tenant isn't paying rent, first communicate to understand the issue, then send a formal late rent/pay or quit notice, and if they still don't pay or leave, you must follow your local laws to begin eviction proceedings, potentially involving a court filing and a sheriff's eviction. Always refer to your lease and consult local landlord-tenant laws before taking action, as proper documentation (like the notice) is crucial for legal steps. 

My tenant has not paid their rent: what can I do?

28 related questions found

What to say to a tenant who hasn't paid rent?

6 steps to follow when a tenant doesn't pay the rent

  • Review the lease agreement and landlord-tenant laws. ...
  • Consider sending a notice that the rent is late. ...
  • Contact the tenant. ...
  • Deliver a pay-or-quit notice. ...
  • Offer cash for keys. ...
  • Begin eviction proceedings.

Can I sue someone for living with me and not paying rent?

Yes, you can sue your roommate for not paying rent since you and your roommate agreed to split the rent and they didn't live up to that promise. You will need to prove to the judge that you both had a responsibility to pay a share of the rent. This proof doesn't have to be in the form of a written contract.

What are other words for deadbeat?

Synonyms of deadbeat

  • slug.
  • drone.
  • snail.
  • bum.
  • layabout.
  • loafer.
  • idler.
  • do-nothing.

What does "sley" mean in slang?

(slang) to overwhelm; to strongly affect From the red carpet to her sure-to-be epic performance, one thing is for certain—she's gonna slay.

What's another word for "no one cares"?

Some common synonyms of unconcerned are aloof, detached, disinterested, incurious, and indifferent. While all these words mean "not showing or feeling interest," unconcerned suggests a lack of sensitivity or regard for others' needs or troubles.

How long can I stay if I don't pay rent?

You can stay as long as your landlord hasn't started formal eviction proceedings, which usually involves a written "Notice to Pay or Quit" (often 3-5 days). If you don't pay or move by that deadline, they can file for eviction, leading to a court date, and potentially a sheriff lockout in weeks or months, depending on your state/local laws and court backlogs, but you are legally in default immediately or after any grace period. 

What happens if tenants don't pay rent?

If a tenant isn't paying rent, the landlord must follow a legal process: first, send a formal written notice (like a 3-day or 30-day notice to pay or quit), then if the tenant doesn't pay or move, the landlord can file for eviction (unlawful detainer) in court, which involves serving a summons and attending a hearing, and must not resort to self-help evictions like changing locks or cutting utilities. Always consult local landlord-tenant laws and consider legal counsel as procedures vary significantly by state. 

What is an excuse for not paying rent?

Sudden issues like a serious illness or an accident in the family can lead to unexpected expenses. These emergencies may require tenants to take time off work or travel, further straining their finances. The combination of added costs and reduced income often results in delayed rent payments.

What is another name for unpaid rent?

Rent arrears is any back rent that your landlord claims that you owe.

What is a stingy person called?

Some common synonyms of stingy are close, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, and penurious. While all these words mean "being unwilling or showing unwillingness to share with others," stingy implies a marked lack of generosity.

How do you deal with people who are not paying rent?

Legal Ways to Take Action Against Non-Paying Tenants

  1. Send a 30-day legal notice to the tenant specifying the overdue rent.
  2. If the tenant doesn't respond within 30 days, file a complaint with RDSC.
  3. If payment is still not made, you can proceed with eviction through the RDSC.

What does "slay" 💅 💅 mean?

"Slay" (often with 💅 emojis) is modern slang meaning to do something exceptionally well, look amazing, or be incredibly impressive, essentially meaning "you killed it" or "you nailed it," used as a strong compliment for skills, outfits, or confidence, originating from drag/ballroom culture and popularized by Gen Z and social media. 

What is a brazzy?

brazy is a slang word for crazy with the letter 'c' replaced with 'b'. The word has been associated with the blood gang.

What is beezer slang for?

excellent; most attractive. Word origin. C20: of uncertain origin.

What is slang for a weak man?

person lacking strength or character. wimp. STRONG. baby chicken coward crybaby jellyfish misfit pushover. WEAK.

What is a deadbeat slang?

Slang "deadbeat" refers to a lazy, irresponsible person who avoids responsibilities, especially paying debts, like a "deadbeat dad" who doesn't pay child support, or someone who shirks financial obligations. It's a derogatory term for someone who sponges off others or neglects duties, though in credit card slang, it surprisingly means someone who pays in full to avoid interest. 

How to professionally say "out of whack"?

To professionally say "out of whack," use words like malfunctioning, unaligned, disorganized, inefficient, disproportionate, suboptimal, inconsistent, or experiencing issues, depending on the context (e.g., a machine, a schedule, or performance). For systems, use out of order/commission/sync, while for people or situations, use disorganized, chaotic, erratic, or not performing optimally, suggests Thesaurus.com and Vocabulary.com. 

Can I go to jail for unpaid rent?

Arkansas is the only state in the country that still has a criminal eviction statute. The law, passed in 1901, permits landlords to file criminal complaints against tenants who have not paid their rent.

What to do if a tenant is not paying rent?

If a tenant isn't paying rent, first communicate to understand the issue, then send a formal late rent/pay or quit notice, and if they still don't pay or leave, you must follow your local laws to begin eviction proceedings, potentially involving a court filing and a sheriff's eviction. Always refer to your lease and consult local landlord-tenant laws before taking action, as proper documentation (like the notice) is crucial for legal steps. 

What to do if a housemate doesn't pay rent?

If your roommate refuses to pay rent, start with open communication and documenting everything, then involve your landlord, consider mediation, and if necessary, take legal action like small claims court, but be aware you're often responsible for the full rent if both are on the lease. Your approach depends heavily on whether you share a lease or have a separate agreement, but protecting your financial stability by covering rent and seeking new roommates is key.