Landlord: “Why didn’t you pay the rent on time this month?”
Tenant 1: We all had swine flu and we like you so much we didn’t want to give it to you so we didn’t mail the check.
Tenant 2: I don’t have time for this now. We’re all going to see the new Star Trek movie. I’ll worry about the rent another time.
Tenant 3: My dog at it.
Sometimes tenants’ excuses for not paying the rent on time are downright funny. In the way of the internet, I forget how I found the site these quotes came from, but it’s worth looking and bookmarking.
Beyond listing goofy late-rent excuses, the Landlord Protection Agency website can be a great resource for landlords, even those who have ideal tenants. The LPA site offer free forms like a Late Notice, a Key Receipt and even a Security Deposit Refund Receipt.
If you’re a landlord or thinking of becoming one, I recommend you visit this site. Disclaimer: if using forms found online, check with your attorney to make sure the language is valid in your state.