Should I be late on my rent or mortgage?

[erwin]

I live in Dallas, TX and I am paying rent in the amount of $514.00 per month on an efficiency apartment. Yet I also have a mortgage for $496.00 per month on my home out of state. Well, for various reason (it's complicated) I will have to decide which one to pay "on time". Because this is Texas the law allows the apartment complex to charge up to $200 to $500 on late fees starting at $75.00 after the first day and $10.00 each additional day.

But a late mortgage would only cost me $30.00 plus a late on my credit report.

I have paid my mortgage on time for a year but I am getting ready to file bankruptcy so my credit (already ruined) will be ruined for an additional 7 years so I am thinking its best to pay the mortgage late as I will have the money next month.

Please advise on what I should do. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

[scirwode]

How "late"? If it's a day or two, only a VERY unscrupulous lender or landlord would charge you anything.

ps If it's Texas, I'm surprised they don't have the death penalty for being an HOUR late. (They like killing people legally there.) Being ALLOWED to do something doesn't mean they'll do it.