Defaulting on payments on your lease could result in your landlord evicting you. While this may give you the chance to find a cheaper place to rent, it makes it harder to do so. If you’re evicted, the chances of your landlord reporting you to a credit bureau is high which makes it difficult to find a new place to rent as most landlords do credit checks on their tenants.
To avoid being blacklisted, you’ll want to avoid eviction at all costs. There are a number of things you can do to, to do this.
Pay past-due rent
Paying the rent that is past due is perhaps the easiest way to avoid being evicted, but also the most difficult. Negotiate to pay it off or negotiate to stay. Despite the stereotype, landlords want your money and you making a plan to give it to him adds in his favour.
Terminate the lease
If possible, legally terminate your lease. Month-to-month leases usually require a 30 day notice period after which the landlord cannot hold you responsible for future rent. If your lease is a long-term lease, organise with your landlord to get new tenants to take over the lease from you. If he agrees, then advertise for new tenants.
Breaking the lease
Breaking your lease is another way to avoid eviction. There are usually terms for breaking the lease in the agreement between you and the landlord. Leaving before the lease is up, you will be responsible for rent until the landlord replaces you as tenant. He may also charge you any fees incurred in finding new tenants (such as payment for adverts in papers). You will still be responsible for any past rent owed, which the landlord can elect to take off from your deposit.
Other than the above options, you can get a flatmate to share costs with you or sublease the whole apartment if your agreement caters for it. These might not be desirable but it beats getting evicted and having to clear up an black marks on your name.