What should one do to check if a rent check was sent out?

The choice of getting in touch with the finance department is correct because that department is typically responsible for handling financial transactions, including the issuance of rent checks. They would have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding whether a rent check has been sent out or not.

The finance department's role includes managing various financial records and transactions, which can provide a clear and verifiable answer. This is particularly important in situations where confirmation of payment is necessary to avoid potential late fees or conflict with the landlord.

Other options may not provide the most reliable information. For instance, contacting the landlord directly might not yield timely or definitive answers, especially if they are not immediately available. Checking online banking statements could help identify if a check was cashed, but it does not confirm whether it was sent out in the first place. Asking the social worker for assistance might be helpful in certain contexts, but they may not have direct access to financial records and thus might not have the specific information regarding the rent check.