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goldgazelle · Feb 6, 2009, 06:47 AM

I was 2 days late on the rent (literally sat & sun) (I did inform my roommate that I had half of it right then I just needed a few days to have the rest, and roommate needed all of it)-duh- still a very humiliating situation, on Monday morning I received text messages that I had to go, leave my key and that the locks were going to be changed; so, I moved my things out that day, fearing that I could lose the little I have.
Anyway, I AM paying the rent I owe (I never wanted to "not pay," I just didn't make as much on my check as I was expecting), BUT now my former roommate is wanting me to leave it under the mat by the front door. I have said that I want to hand it over in person to be sure that it is received. My former roommate responds that no one will take it and neighbors are watching the house.. yadda, yadda. I know better than that and will not leave anything under the mat, especially when I have always handed my rent payment directly to this person.
Can I demand that it is delivered in person?
I want to make sure that I cover my tail making sure my payment is in the right hands, and that nothing shady is going on.

I was renting on a month-to-month, verbal agreement, with no exact rent due date (just towards the end/beginning of the month). This is in Missouri. Thank you VERY much!

HistorianChick · Feb 6, 2009, 06:53 AM

I'm with you. I wouldn't leave any money under the mat. SO many things could happen; someone could take it, it could blow away, or your roommate could claim it was never there.

I would insist on a personal exchange of funds. Definitely.

goldgazelle · Feb 6, 2009, 07:28 AM

Thank you for your answer. It also seems very rude and immature to act that way. This person can at least have the decency to be an adult for a few minutes.

HistorianChick · Feb 6, 2009, 07:31 AM

All that aside, it's not even good business sense for your ex roommate to want you to leave money outside. And for you, it's not smart to potentially lose the money.

Nope, you're not out of line.

pacific nw · Feb 7, 2009, 12:39 AM

Send the check to me. It will have the same effect and enforceability, but at least you'll be able to say "I sent it" if it makes them feel better. Obviously, you need proof in this circumstance that you paid. Keep a copy of the check and send it United States Postal Service receipt requested. Cost is $2.57 and will save you tons of headaches. Hope your next place is much more to your liking.

chicagostarbaby · Feb 7, 2009, 01:58 PM

GoldenGazelle.. Honestly, you need a receipt if you are talking about cash.. under a mat... it would disappear.. and its been known checks are mysteriously cashed.. not by the landlord, or roomates or neighbors, if you were to investigate.. lol. Fraud is alive and well, but perhaps your exroomate never had the expeience, unfortunately it would be his experience and your lost of money whether it be cash or a check you would have fun chasing those paper trails! Taking this lightly, as you should, for you've taken action on your gut feelings, now you know you were right!! Keep it in writing when it comes to all real estate, including but not limited to.. lol rent, landlords, boyfriends, girlfriends, mortgage companies, banks, personal loans, whatever.. ex roomates too! Lol take care, stay safe.

goldgazelle · Feb 7, 2009, 08:32 PM

Thank you all VERY much! I really appreciate your help. I'm thinking of getting a money order (one that has a carbon copy) and definitely going to make sure that I have a receipt as well.
Yeah, I wish things wouldn't have turned sour but I have learned quite a bit from it. I'm looking forward to getting this over with!