Natural Disaster & Rent Collection

[Emmanuel Sanchez]

Hello,

Curious to know what you'd do in this situation. Rent is due today (October 1st). Tenant asked if we could work with her to avoid late payment fee (assessed if rent not paid prior to or on 4th day of month) since she cannot pay today. She is asking because she is unable to withdraw money from the bank as a result of Hurricane Ian (no power). Side note... Our area of Cape Coral was thankfully spared from any severe destruction. First and foremost, we utilize Avail.Co for rent collection. It's all done online (no cash or checks required), so I don't know why she needs to go to the bank 🤔. Couple of things I am considering because I want to be a reasonable landlord/person considering the times:

A) Reminding her that she has up to the 4th day of the month to pay the rent without incurring a late fee (as per our lease).

B) As a ONE time exception, due to the extenuating circumstances resulting from Hurricane Ian, allowing her to make a payment within the first 14 days of month without incurring late fee.

Thoughts? Any insight is appreciated! Thank you!

[Ron Brady]

@Emmanuel Sanchez

As COVID hit in Spring 2020, one of our tenants asked us about a rent payment delay. We replied something to the effect of, "We appreciate the request given the pandemic and we're all in this together. Please send us documentation that you've applied to the state assistance programs and we'll quickly respond with a rent deferral plan." The response: crickets.

With our tenants, we always ask for documentation and we usually are willing to have a one-time conversation about delayed rent and/or a late fee waiver. We'd offer a late fee waiver as you have here, subject to documentation.

Best wishes to you!