I was funded by an Obama grant and served as a housing outreach counselor and organizer during the Millennial Great Recession in ’09 on Chicago’s far north-side.
I would hand out worksheets to help promote communication. Use what works for your specific case, but sometimes having a template can help.
***(This is not, nor should be construed as, legal advice).***
Your Name
Your Address /Unit
Your Phone Number
Your Email
Dear Landlord: (use proper name, such as the company or individual’s name)
I hope for your health and the health of your family during these times.
Due to COVID-19, my responsible economic sources that have enabled me to be diligent with our rent agreement has collapsed beneath me.
Our lease agreement rent is monthly: $x,xxx.xx.
I am determined to do my best, as I am sure you will, to enable us to further our agreement for mutual protections. May I offer as a beginning to a conversation:
- Please allow us to establish a payment plan for our agreement; standards show that we can work together to get as close to our needs as possible. For example: there are “X” number of months left on the lease:
- Can we discuss delaying portions of current amounts and adding them to later months’ payments, or any other sort of payment-plan we could uphold together to protect each shared interest?
- Please pardon or release the late fees attached to my agreement; standards show it is better for both of us if we can afford full amounts, instead of being further burdened by fees that make any payment out of reach.
- Can we agree to have an open conversation about how we can work together? Perhaps other residents and I can plan to volunteer our time to repaint the common areas of our building, once social distancing is not required.
Thank you for your time in considering this unusual request during this unique times.
Please reach out to me at the information provided above at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,