Rent Collection advice

[Pam Grim]

Hello,

I'm just starting out. My husband & I had 2 houses, one of which we were renting out. We got divorced & both took one house.

I'm working to get debt paid off that I accumulated while also being laid off last year just after our seperation.Then I would like to start accumulating rentals again.

To help me pay off my debt, I have 2 room mates. One of my room mates couldn't pay rent last month (for Nov). He's been here at my house fo almost 1 year. He has had problems paying other bills through out the year too.

He's now paying rent in 2 payments. He pays for the first part of Nov. on the 15th, and the last part of Nov on Dec 1. He's also renting out the master, because he says the spare rooms are too small and he doesn't mind paying extra. However, he's not paying the full amount I asked for b/c it was too much. He asked to do lawn work for a rent deduction (which he's not doing anymore).

He's 46 years old and pretty much just smokes weed and drinks alot. But he's quiet and I hardly ever see him.

My question is, is it worth working with this guy? If so, how do I get him so that he's paying in advance, even if its still twice a month?

To be honest I wouldn't mind having my master back. At the time I rented it out I was w/o a job and was desperate.

Thanks for you help,
Pam