Partial payments

What happens when you pay part of the rent, or your landlord accepts a partial payment.

The rule where you live

Chicago

Be careful with partial payments during the notice period. Under state law, the landlord can take a partial payment and still end the lease. You are only safe if the landlord agrees in writing to continue the lease for partial payment.

✓ Sources checked August 22, 2026

Read the full guide for Chicago.

Seattle

Any money you pay your landlord must go first to the amount listed on the notice.

✓ Sources checked August 22, 2026

Read the full guide for Seattle.