Nice and cooperative tenant but late for payment

[brrabbit]

Originally Posted by hhjj134

I am definitely trying to work with them. I am OK to give some time for them to adjust the financial problem. But they have to prove they can keep the promise and get back on track in the future.

If they are paying you in this calendar month + an extra bonus as a late fee (is it in the range of $100?), why do you need to work with them? Enjoy some extra money for the inconvenience.

However, if they completely skip a payment, then it's totally different story - if that's the case, they either catch up on the payments real quickly (+ post an extra month of security deposit at the time of lease renewal), or you need to kick them out before your security deposit turns itself into their rent.

[hhjj134]

Originally Posted by NoMoreSnowForMe

Demanding proof of their ability to pay at this point doesn't make sense. Either they are paying or they aren't. And the eviction process is in place for tenants who aren't paying the rent.

What you're proposing as far as asking for proof of income again, can be seen as harassment. I really don't think you should go there. Imagine your mortgage lender asking you to re-apply for a mortgage if you were late on a payment. The time for checking their ability to pay was before they moved in.

Someone can be a millionaire and not pay their bills. Even if they prove they have money, that doesn't mean you will get paid. It's not your job to hold their hands or counsel them, and if they let you do this, they will probably take advantage of you. You're not their counselor or financial adviser. You are their landlord. If they don't pay you, then kick them out according to the law.

I think new landlords have a hard time separating business from the "relationship." Picture yourself as their car dealer who sold them a car. They don't make the payments, it gets repossessed. The car dealer isn't going to sit them down and discuss their problems with them.

This is not because you are mean, etc. But, choose your charities. Your tenants should not be one of them. "Gee, I'm really sorry things aren't working out for you here, but I can't let you live here without paying the rent on time."

First, thanks a lot for the advice. Points are taken and it really get me to re-think about this.
It is funny that I was trying to explain my thought on this and realize it doesn't make sense on the half way of writing it

1. I can't evict them or terminate the lease if they can not prove the income.
2. It doesn't guarantee they will pay even if they can prove the income.

It seems like having the proof does nothing except it might make me feel better.
I don't need that.

No more useless thinking on this, great!