How to Cancel a Tenant Debt

Tenant debt is the delinquent money a renter owes the landlord based on the terms of a signed lease. If the renter is late on the rent, the amount owed to the landlord accumulates. If the debt continues to rise, the landlord may begin eviction proceedings. Some landlords arrange for tenant debts to be reported to the credit agencies, adversely affecting the tenant's credit, future rental applications and mortgage applications. A renter may be able to cancel tenant debt.

Instructions

1

Call the landlord, acknowledging the money owed to him. Hiding from him isn't going to solve the problem. Explain that you are going through a financial crisis at and would like some time to repay the debt. The landlord may not pursue credit reporting, civil action or eviction procedures if you have a legitimate reason and a reasonable time frame to find the money.

2

Offer a payment plan to the landlord for the debt owed. You may have already moved out of the leased property but want to get the debt off your credit history. If your landlord has reported the debt to credit bureaus, he must then report payments made on that debt and notify the bureaus when the debt is paid off.

3

File bankruptcy if you are unable to make payments. Tenant debt is unsecured debt and is eliminated when the bankruptcy is completed. The bankruptcy will be on your credit report for ten years, but if you don't have the money to get out of debt, it may be your only option.