Working with Tenant to Pay Rent

[Sabrina Speights]

Hi all, I have a tenant who is really great. She just got notice that she's getting laid off from her job in December. She's not sure how the job search will go and might not be able to pay her rent in January. Does anyone have experience working with tenants to pay rent who can suggest some payment strategies or other thoughts about what I should do? Thanks! 

[Patricia Steiner]

Not paying the rent is not an option nor is expecting the landlord to assist her.  You're running a business. And while we can all empathize with the tenants' predictament, we need to expect and trust that this life issue can be successfully handled by the tenant.  I would let her know that you're not in a position to assist her and that she needs to explore all options now. I would caution her to be proactive and have a plan in place for meeting her rent before it's due whether it means borrowing from family/friends/credit cards, public assistance for short-term needs, taking on holiday employment/second job now, cutting back/terminating non-essentials like cable/subscriptions - as the rent will be due on the 1st each and every month per her lease.  Again, this is her life event to address - not yours.  Let her now - without any hedging - that you fully trust and expect that she will resolve this issue herself.

Best...