Rental Fees?
I live in the state of Virginia. I use to pay my rent by check to the office cuz that was the only method that didn t have a fee attached to it. Well now the office is saying that if I turn in a check in person there will be a $5 "handling fee". So now there is NO method of turning in my rent without a fee attached to it. Is that legal?
Update:This is what they're email said,
"You have three options:
our built-in ePay rent system (very easy to use and convenient)
direct allotment from your military pay account (a little more complicated), or
PayNearMe w/ new barcodes, instead of money orders (note: we don't accept cash payments)
(less expensive than a money order and pay at any 7-11, Ace Cash Express or Family Dollar)"
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Answers & Comments
It is illegal to charge fees to of the blue. If this handling fee is not stated in the lease then they cannot charge it. If you do not have a current lease then charges & fees can be added with proper 30 day notice of the change. You have to check local laws to see if that sort of fee is legal or not. If there is any such law it would be a local one.
There should not be a fee. That doesnt sound legal but your state may allow it. These are state by state laws. Ask them if you can make direct deposit to a bank account, or pay by money order. You can even pay cash if you get a receipt.
The legality is likely questionable. The business practice is just stupid.
I would:
* Ask them how you can fulfill your obligations to pay rent without having to pay additional fees.
* If they provide no methods, ask them where in your current agreement it says this is allowed.
* Assuming it is not there, inform them they are legally not allowed to change terms of your agreement without proper notice. If you are in the middle of a lease they must wait until the end of it. If month to month they need to give you at least 30 days notice.
* In writing, request that management (not the front office person) respond with a reason for such craziness.
* Start thinking about moving. I wouldn't deal with BS like that.
If not in the lease, they cannot charge a fee....
Read your lease. Does it mention a handling fee? If not, they can't charge it.
Unless the lease makes reference to a "handling" fee they can't charge it.
What about if you mail it? There has to be a way to pay rent without having a fee.
Give them cash...but get a receipt.
Have you asked them if you can do a direct deposit? That would be the simplest solution. Checks take several days to clear.