$15k+ Rent Debt and Recieved Pay or Vacate Notice
Need advice on a family member’s apartment situation in Washington state.
They currently owe about $16,000 in rent debt. Over the past year, they were making inconsistent partial payments ($500 here, $700 there, etc.) but haven’t made a real/full payment in months. They recently received a Pay or Vacate notice.
They do not have the ability to pay the full balance upfront. Realistically, they could maybe come up with around $3,000 immediately and then potentially pay current monthly rent going forward plus a smaller amount toward the arrears each month.
The landlord/property company already has a strong case because the debt is so high.
The goal right now is honestly just figuring out the best realistic option.
Is there any chance a landlord would agree to a payment plan at this stage? Would legal aid actually help in a case like this?
Has anyone successfully negotiated with a landlord over this large of a balance?
Just trying to understand what people have realistically seen happen in situations like this. Realistically, is there any way that my family member can stay in their home. I know it sounds ridiculous and irresponsible, and trust me we have went over how to is both, but we really just need some advice. Would getting a lawyer involved somehow help (even if they clearly have valid reason to give the notice)
Thank you for your time.