I own a home in Michigan with my husband. We recently let a friend move in who needed a place to stay. We agreed on an amount for rent and in she moved. She moved in on the 1st and no rent. A few days went by and nothing. I really needed the money so I finally relented and asked her for it. She said she would pay in a couple days. I feel a bit frustrated. I hate having to bug a friend for the rent but I feel a bit angry. This is causing stess between my partner and I as well because he is much more assertive when it comes to these things and feels my friend is being inconsiderate. My friend is going through a divorce so I know she has a lot on her plate.
I am conflicted though. If *I* were moving anywhere I would have my rent for them the minute I moved in. AM I over-reacting? Should we be more patient and easy-going?
I am really hoping that future months aren't going to be like this one because my partner already said that he would ask my friend to leave if this keeps up.

No you are not being unreasonable by simply asking for her to keep her side of the bargain. I would sit her down and get this straightened out. Now.

Did you put anything in writing before she moved in? Is she using a lawyer for her divorce? Her expenses may be extremely high at this time until it is done. Is she employed?

You should put the rental agreement into writing. And most likely you will have to evict

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Originally Posted by califdadof3

Did you put anything in writing before she moved in? Is she using a lawyer for her divorce? Her expenses may be extremely high at this time until it is done. Is she employed?

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No, nothing in writing. Yes, she has a lawyer for her divorce. She is employed... I know cash flow is a bit of an issue, but she went out for dinner twice the week she wasn't paying. I can't afford to do that, my mortgage comes out on the first...

Ya, I would definitely ask for something in writing, and sit her down with hubby, and have an honest talk about what date the rent is due. Maybe the first is too hard for her, would you guys be willing to settle for a different date, maybe in the middle of the month? Maybe she might find it easier if she can break it up into 2 payments, one from each pay. If that was feasible for you and your husband. You sound like a good friend, and you obvously like the girl, so fix it before it become an issue.

Good luck!

If it were me, I would talk to her and let her know that you let her stay there because she is your friend. And it's the right thing to do. Friends help each other. But now it seems as though you are being taken advantage of. Tell her that it is bringing resentment into your friendship. You understand all the pressure that she is under, but she did agree to an amount.

I am under the impression that she is living in the home with you. Is this true?

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Originally Posted by jmjoseph

If it were me, I would talk to her and let her know that you let her stay there because she is your friend. And it's the right thing to do. Friends help each other. But now it seems as though you are being taken advantage of. Tell her that it is bringing resentment into your friendship. You understand all the pressure that she is under, but she did agree to an amount.

I am under the impression that she is living in the home with you. Is this true?

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Yes, she is living in the home. She finally paid today. 6 days late. I am going to see how it goes for next month and take it from there. I would hate to see this affect our friendship. I don't want her to think I have a lack of sympathy. (But then how could she, I have invited her into my home.) I'll let you all know. Thank you for all of the great, and well thought advice.

Does she realized that you were bothered that she was late paying rent? If she doesn't, I encourage you to talk to her about it now rather than later. If she hasn't realized how bothered you are by it, she may continue doing it. I've made the mistake of trying to ignore things my friends have done that bother me thinking its not a big deal, it was just this time. Then they keep doing it and we end up in a fight that could have been avoided if I'd just told them what was bothering me from the start.