Late rent guide
Pay late rent to avoid additional charges and eviction.
Pay rent to get back on track.
We understand that life is unpredictable, and something could happen that makes it harder for you to pay rent. But it's important to make your payment as soon as possible. Late charges add up, and the longer your account is delinquent, the closer you get to eviction.
What happens when you don't pay rent?
Late rent | Weeks 1-2
Rent is always due by the first of the month. If you're more than a few days late, you'll be charged a late fee. Check your lease for details.
Pay rent or vacate | Weeks 3-4
You could receive a letter in as little as a week that gives you a choice between paying the full amount owed or moving out of the home. Moving out may not relieve you of financial and other obligations set forth in your lease.
Eviction process begins
If you don't resolve your delinquent account in the time allowed, you will receive an eviction notice instructing you to settle the debt or appear in court.
Failure to pay rent has heavy consequences.
When you don't pay rent, it triggers a process that, in the worst-case scenario, could end in eviction and with severe damage to your credit score. Take a look at the timeline below to see how a late payment can become a serious problem in less than a month.
Weeks 1-3
Rent due date
Rent is always due by the first of the month. If you have not paid in full by the first, your account will be marked as delinquent.
Grace period
Your rent is late. You have a few days before you are charged a late fee. The number of days allowed before a late fee is charged is specified in your lease agreement.
Vacate or pay rent
If you have not paid your balance after late fees have been posted, you will receive a letter that requires you to pay the full amount owed. You may have as few as 3 days to pay your balance in full, depending on where you live. Timelines to pay vary by location.*
You may also have an option to move out of the home. Moving out may not relieve you of financial and other obligations set forth in your lease.
Weeks 3-4
Additional fees
If you have not paid the full amount by the deadline and you have not moved out of the home, you will be subject to additional fees and potential legal action, which could include eviction.
Eviction notice is filed
We will file an eviction notice with the local court, and you will be notified that the eviction process has begun.
Resolve eviction
You can stop the eviction process by paying all your outstanding debt to Invitation Homes through certified funds only (cashier's check, money order or certified check). Other types of payment are not accepted.
Eviction process
Court judgement
If the court rules in favor of Invitation Homes, you will be ordered to:
Leave the home by a specified date.
Pay all outstanding rent and fees.
Remove your belongings from the home.
Pay for any damages to the home.
Rental and credit history
After you are ordered to leave the home, you will have an eviction in your rental history, and if you have not paid your debt, it will be added to your credit history.*
This means:
It will be harder for you to rent another home.
If your debt is sent to collections, your credit score will be severely damaged.
A lower credit score will hurt your chances of getting approved for credit cards and bank loans for large purchases like a car or home.
If you choose to move out
You must send us your written notice to vacate. After you send written notice, we will contact you to discuss the next steps.
If you do not provide written notice before you move out, the terms of your lease agreement remain in effect, including your responsibility to pay monthly rent and fees.
Questions? We've got answers.
Visit our help center, contact us online or call (888) 865-1963 for more information about leasing with us. Together with you, we make a house a home. We look forward to helping you live freer for years to come.