Can't pay rent

Dave_24irl

Hey guys,

I am in a complete mess. My father died 2 weeks ago suddenly. We were very close. I have been trying to come to terms with what happened and I am functioning so far. I am a student and was living away from home for term so I didn't get to see him as much as I should have. I have no relationship with my mother. However, due to all the goingon I completly took my eye off the ball financially. I am in a terrible situation. I have rent due tommorrow and I am €200 short. I was unable to work (I work in a petrol station) for the last two weeks and have no savings. I have scraped together what I can but in times like this I would normally have run to my Dad. Now this situation is making me feel like I have lost the only person I could ever have turned to in need. I know this sounds selfish and woe is me but my head really isn't screwed on straight at all.

I guess what I am asking is what do I do about this situation? The apartment I rent is through a lease with an agent so I don't know the landlord personally. This is my last month living there and I have a deposit paid. Should I come clean and tell them I can't pay? Will I end up in serious trouble? I have never been in this position before and I am terrified of what is going to happen. Has anyone ever gone to an agent before and said they couldn't pay their rent? I will be able to have it to them in the 2 weeks but I don't want them to think I am pulling a sob story or worse still notify the gaurds. I know it may seem trivial and I guess it's time I stood on my own two feet as I really have lived a sheltered life up to this point but I am worried sick. Any advice would be much appreciated. I honestly have no idea how these situations work and it would be a load off my mind if I could know what to expect at least when I go to them.

tenchi-fan

Hi
Sorry for your loss.

First, people are more reasonable than you might think. Phone the petrol station. They might give you a few paid days (maybe 3) as compassionate leave. You can ask for a few more as annual leave which means you will also get paid for them. If you're still short, ask for an advance on your pay or for some overtime.

Phone the letting agent and tell them the situation, ie that your rent will be a bit late.

Miss Fluff

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad, It must be a very tough time for you you poor thing, so you don't need this kind of angst.

If you have nobody you can ask I would tell the agent what has happened, that due to your Dad passing you have not been able to work for two weeks and hence have had no income, and would it be possible to offset your rent against your deposit, seeing as it is your last month there.

Alternatively, do you have a good relationship with your boss in the petrol station? Would you be in a position to ask them for advance?

Or how about your bank? Would you consider asking for a temporary overdraft?

Or perhaps a friend that could sub you until you can pay them back in two weeks?

Try not to worry OP, you will get this resolved.

dellas1979

Sorry to hear you are in bad times - yep I 100% agree - tell them the situation tomorrow (what has happened) and to take it out of your deposit. Be gentle but firm with them and dont let them side track you.

I dont want to sound out of turn, but could you live in your dads old place?

AngryBadger

Hi OP,

So sorry to hear about you losing your dad. Can't imagine how you're feeling right now.

I'd agree with other posters about just being honest about the situation I'm sure they'll be understanding, and you have a deposit paid it shouldn't be a problem for them to be reasonable and take it out of that.

Cuddlesworth

Tell the agent you don't have the money for the rent. Ask them to come over on the last day and inspect the property. Then they can deduct the remainder of the rent owed from the deposit after agreeing the property is in good condition.

Nevyn

Go to your welfare officer in college and explain to them, some colleges have a student hardship fund and they may be able to assist you.

Dave_24irl

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the advice. I contacted the agent as the rent is now late. They were unsympathetic to say the least. Luckily I have managed to borrow €150 from my housemate and €30 from my friend so I am only €20 out which I should be able to scrape together somehow. All things going according to plan I should have it by tommorrow or the next day. To say I want this saga over is an understatement.

:mad::(

Thanks again for the advice.
The responses made me feel less alone in this sorry mess.

AngryBadger

Glad to hear you were able to sort something out OP.

Pity the agents were such ****es about it.

LegacyUser

sorry to hear about your loss.
the letting agent sounds terrible.
which letting agent are you with?

dudara

timtimtimtim The letting agent in question has no bearing on this issue.

dudara