Tenant is late on rent

[William C.]

I have a tenant whose rent is due on the 1st with a grace period through the 3rd.  I contact him on the 5th and was told he is in the hospital and he would pay the rent plus the late fees.  I still have not received the rent as of today.  It sounds like this is just an excuse.

This is the first time I met this problem so I would really appreciate any help on how to deal with it.  Should I serve him a 3 day pay or quit notice?  Does it have to be written or email is fine?  When should I start the eviction process?  I am in Texas BTW.

Thanks so much for your help!

[Royce Talbo]

@William C.

 I am not a hard a** landlord like some on here, but I think you should call the hospital and see if they are actually in there.  If they are, it must be bad for them to not be discharged and paying rent would be the last thing on their mind.  They already agreed to pay the late fees, so I would just wait for it for a little while.  This is also why you have reserves for unforeseen events, if you don't have reserves you are doing it wrong.  I dont know how your mortgage works but I have a leeway till the 15th of the month to pay, so a late payment wont affect me till the 15th.  If you keep pursuing them it might make you look like a greedy landlord that only cares about money and ruin the relationship you have with them.  Showing compassion goes a long way and they might see you in a new light and do extra things to take care of the property or not bother you with issues with the property anymore.  Not sure what your situation is with them, but those are just some examples of what could happen.  Again this is just what I would do, others might suggest differently.