This was my last month in rent and my boyfriend and I broke up had a joined bank account and he had took all te money out which made my check bounce. I told the landlord I could pay her in payments and she said she has to have it in full or she will take me to court and sue me. I can't afford all this at once.
Where I live, you would have more to worry about than just a civil lawsuit. Writing a bad check is a criminal offense & you could be prosecuted in criminal court for this offense. While you could avoid jail time by making restitution, the hassle of a criminal charge has repercussions well beyond owing the money.
Do yourself a favor & find a way to make this bad check good. Change your tax withholding to get more money in your paycheck, eat beans for the next month, pawn your jewelry, but don't let this matter go or you will surely regret it.
Hope this perspective helps!
Unfortunately for you, your landlord has the right to demand full payment, unless the rental agreement provides otherwise. I'm assuming your rental agreement does not state that you are entitled to a payment plan.
I would recommend putting an offer in writing for your landlord; explain your situation and detail exactly when and how you will be making payments and the amount of each payment. You may need to pay some amount over $525.00 to accommodate the fact that the landlord has to wait for payment. Hopefully, you can convince the landlord that it is better for her to receive payments in a settlement, rather than waste time, money, and effort for all to go to court for such a small amount, particularly when you are willing to make payments anyway.
Your landlord is 100% correct - your personal problems are not her problems. It was a joint bank account - then your ex-boyfriend had every legal right to clean it out - under the law it was as much his money as yours (unless and until you sue him and win, which you won't). You bounced the check. Your landlord is under no obligation to take payments - she is entitled to all the money owed immediately. I'd suggest you look for a new place to live and be prepared to both (a) lose your deposit and (b) be sued for whatever you owe until your place is re-rented by the landlord.
