When Is Rent Due When You First Move In?

Last Updated on July 19, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

When you first move into a rental property, the due date for rent typically depends on the terms agreed upon in the lease agreement. Rent is commonly due every month, and the due date is often set for the first day of the month. However, some landlords may choose a different date or require rent to be paid in advance before moving in. It is essential to carefully review the lease agreement to determine the specific due date and payment terms to ensure timely payment and avoid any potential issues or penalties.

When Is Rent Due When You First Move In?

When you move into a new rental property, understanding when your rent is due is crucial for maintaining a good landlord-tenant relationship. As a new tenant, it’s essential to know the due date, grace period, and any other important factors related to rent payment. In this article, we will shed light on all you need to know about when rent is due when you first move in.

1. Lease Agreement:
   The lease agreement is the primary source of information about your rent due date. It is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your tenancy, including the due date for rent. Always refer to your lease agreement to determine this vital detail.
2. Monthly Rent Cycle:
   In most rental properties, rent is due on a monthly basis. It is typically payable on the same day each month, which is often the day you moved in. For example, if you move in on the 5th of the month, your rent might be due on the 5th of every subsequent month.
3. Notice Period:
   Some landlords provide a notice period to tenants informing them about the due date for rent. This period typically ranges from five to fifteen days before the due date. Keep an eye out for any notices or communication from your landlord regarding rent payments.
4. Grace Period:
   A grace period is an additional time frame given to tenants to submit their rent payment after the due date. It’s designed to give tenants a reasonable window to fulfill their obligations. However, grace periods are not always mandated and may vary from landlord to landlord. Check your lease agreement or discuss with your landlord to clarify if a grace period exists.
5. Alternate Payment Methods:
   In today’s digital age, many landlords offer multiple payment options. While it is still common to pay rent through traditional methods like checks or cash directly to the landlord, more landlords are accepting online payments or electronic fund transfers. Ensure you are aware of the preferred payment method to avoid any confusion or inconvenience.
6. Late Fees:
   It’s essential to understand the late fee policy when rent is not paid on time. This policy can be found in your lease agreement and specifies the penalties for late rent payments. Late fees serve as an incentive for tenants to pay rent on time and to cover the additional administrative costs incurred by the landlord.
7. Communication with Your Landlord:
   Maintaining open lines of communication with your landlord is crucial, especially concerning rent payments. If you are unable to make the payment on time, reach out to your landlord well in advance to discuss the situation and explore potential arrangements such as payment plans or extensions. Showing responsibility and proactive communication can go a long way in building a good relationship.

What Will Happen If Your Rent’s Due Date Falls On A Legal Holiday Or A Weekend?

According to rental and lease agreements, in most states, if your rent’s due date is on a legal holiday or a weekend, you need to pay it on the next business day. But, it is necessary to look at your state’s law concerning payment of rent, if no mail is delivered to you. 

Ensure that you read the agreement correctly to know how and where to pay the rent. But, unless the property manager or owner has an on-site office, the most common method is to mail the check to their business address. While mailing your payment, make sure to give it adequate time to reach the managers on or before the due date. 

While several landlords expect you to pay your rent via money order or check, some may accept the payment through credit card or automatic debit. If your landlord or property managers allow you to make cash payments, be sure to get a receipt indicating your name and the date when you pay. Doing this serves as proof of payment. 

What Are The Repercussions Of Not Paying Rent By The Due Date?

Failing to pay rent by the due date can lead to several repercussions for tenants. The most common consequences are:

1. Late fees: Landlords may charge late fees for delayed rent payments as stated in the lease agreement.
2. The eviction process: If rent remains unpaid for an extended period, the landlord can initiate the eviction process, which may lead to the tenant being legally forced to move out.
3. Damage to credit score: Unpaid rent can be reported to credit agencies, negatively impacting the tenant’s credit score and making it challenging to secure future housing or loans.
4. Legal actions: Landlords might take legal action to collect unpaid rent, leading to court appearances and potential judgments against the tenant.
5. Loss of security deposit: Failure to pay rent can result in the landlord using the security deposit to cover outstanding amounts, leaving the tenant responsible for any damages or unpaid rent beyond the deposit.

Why Is The First Day Of The Month The Ideal Date For Rent Collection?

The first day of the month is the best for rent collection, and there are various reasons, including;

Most Lease Agreements Begin On This Day

Most leases start on the first date of the month, and it makes sense that rent will fall due on the same day. A different rent arrangement may bring confusion, especially when dealing with several tenants. It may be hard to plan for your money when tenants pay their rent on different dates. 

Most People Get Paid At The End Of The Month.

Since most people receive their pay at the end of the month or the week, setting the due date for rent on the first day will ensure that rent is paid on time. The tenants receive their paycheck before their rent falls due, reducing the chances of them not having money to honor their obligation. 

Tenants Will Pay Rent Before Other Bills.

Most bills such as mortgages, credit cards, and utilities become due on various month dates. So when you collect the rent on the first day, there is an assurance that the tenant will not divert the money to other expenses before settling and paying for rent. 

It Is Not Easy To Forget.

When rent falls due at the beginning of the month, it becomes easy to remember both the tenant and the landlord. It is not likely to forget that the beginning of the month means rent is due. 

Why Is It Necessary To Set A Date For Rent Collection?

Setting a given date for collecting rent has several benefits for both the tenants and landlords, including;

The Landlord Can Budget For Their Bills.

When there is a fixed deadline for rent payment, the landlord can budget for other bills. It is possible to plan how to pay for water, electricity, or mortgages at a given date since you are sure of when to receive payments.

It Helps The Tenants To Establish A Routine.

Fixing a due date for rent payment helps the tenants establish a routine. One can set priorities of what needs to be paid on different dates, which helps one settle their rental bills on time. 

You Can Easily File For Eviction.

When tenants set a date for paying their rent, it is easy for the landlord to track late or non-payments. You will easily file for eviction of any tenant who always pays their rent later than the agreed date. 

How To Budget For Your Apartment’s Rent

Nothing disappoints like receiving reminder notes from your landlord due to late payments. It is, therefore, necessary to budget properly. Some of the expenses you need to factor in include water, natural gas, electricity bill, rent, renter’s insurance, and internet. 

Rent

When budgeting for your rent, you also need to remember that there may be other charges that come with it. These fees include;

• Garbage pickup fee
• Parking fee
• Administration fees
• Pest control

Since not all apartments include these fees, it is necessary to ask before signing a lease agreement.  Some of these charges may be monthly, while others are a one-time off. 

Security Deposit

Security deposit is usually paid at the beginning of the lease together with the first month’s rent. This deposit is primarily equivalent to one month’s rent unless the lease states otherwise. But, when using a broker, you might be required to pay another month’s rent as their fee. In most cases, one gets a refund of the total amount during moving out if there are no damages in the property or the apartment is in the condition that the tenant found it. 

In other cases, a tenant may be asked to pay a smaller non-refundable amount as a security deposit. This fee is used to fix any damages that may occur during your tenure instead of you being asked to repair them before you can move out. 

Deposit For Utilities

In some apartments, tenants may also be required to pay a refundable deposit for utilities, especially those that fall in their name. If you pay your utility bills on time without fail, you will get a refund a few months after the expiry of your lease. You can also expect to get a credit on your statement from the service provider instead of a payment. 

Tenant’s Insurance

Some property management firms expect a tenant to have renter’s insurance before occupying a house. But, even when this is not a requirement, it is a good idea for you to ensure your items are safe. The renter’s insurance fee varies depending on the type of apartment and the area you live in. 

Administrative Charges

When applying for an apartment, the property agents or management firm may need to conduct a background check or run your credit before allowing you to occupy the same. This service requires you to pay some administration fees. But some companies may not ask for this charge, so you must make some inquiries about it. 

The Following Table Summarizes The Various Fees/Charges And Their Estimates.

Charges/Fees	Estimated Amount
Security deposit	It is usually a month’s rent or more.
Rent	Not more than 30% of your monthly salary
Renter’s insurance	$10 to $20 per month
Utility deposits	Between $70 and $150
Administration fees	Approx. $100

How Can You Cut Down On Rental Bills?

There are several ways in which you can cut down on the amount you use on rent, including;

Choosing A Smaller Space

Sometimes living in a one or two-bedroom apartment can be costly, depending on the location. You can reduce the amount of money you spend on rent by living in a basement or studio apartment as this is usually cheaper. 

Living Off The City

Residing in the suburbs or the city’s outskirts is cheaper than near or within towns. It is an excellent idea that you look for an apartment far from towns or cities if you want to save a few bucks every month.

Reside Near Your Workplace 

If you live far away from your social life or workplace, you might spend more on transport costs. It is necessary to consider looking for an apartment close to where you work and perform other activities.

 Always make sure to consider your budget when choosing the right place, location, and type of housing to rent. 

Conclusion

Before looking for an apartment to rent, especially for the first time, knowing when the rent falls due is necessary. Discuss with your landlord or property managers whether they give a grace period for this payment. It is also essential to consider other monthly expenses to budget well.

References:

https://www.quora.com/Is-rent-due-on-an-apartment-when-you-first-move-in
https://www.boompay.app/post/lease-date-move-in-date