Hello,
I am actually a tenant and I received a letter a few days ago regarding non-payment of rent. It was due by 11/5/2011 and I received the notice on 11/14/2011. It says that if the rent plus late fee is not remitted by 8:30 am Thursday 11/17/2011, they will file for possession of property and start court proceedings. I am disabled and can rely only on a disability income. The money order for November rent was stolen. I spoke to the manager and offered to make a double payment on the next rent date in December. My question is, Can I be forced to leave the premises on Thursday morning if payment is not received or do I wait for an official eviction notice?

They can't legally force you to leave the premises on 11/17. If you don't pay in full or leave voluntarily on that date then they can file a lawsuit for eviction. If you haven't paid in full by the court date then they can have you legally evicted. It's possible but unlikely that a court date and eviction will be scheduled before 12/1.

Thank you, Lisa B. What if the letter I received says they will not accept the payment after 11/17 at 8:30 am?

If they refuse to accept the payment then you can pay it into the court after they file a lawsuit. The court will accept it as long as it's the full amount due as shown on the complaint. But try paying the landlord first anyway.

They will FILE for possession of the property if your rent is not brought up to date prior to 8:30AM on November 17th. There will then be a hearing. You will then be evicted.

Yes, you can be evicted if one rent payment is late.

Thank you so much. You have no idea how worried I was. This was so helpful. I am hopeful that they will just allow me to make a double payment next month.

Thank you as well, JudyKay. Also helpful information.

My pleasure. Good luck!

Have you reported the money order stolen, and contacted the money order company for a refund ?