Inherited tenant woes

[Michael R.]

Hello,

I inherited some tenants when I purchased my house hack duplex last June.  The mother was in the hospital, father had a stroke and was receiving homecare, and their son (24 yrs old) was working part time.  They've been good about paying on time and have only been a few days late in the past (there is no late fee in their lease).  Unfortunately the mother passed and I've been doing my best to remain delicate yet business-like with my property management since I really feel bad for the family's misfortunes.  

Just recently the father moved out to a long term care facility leaving the son behind.  They were on a two year lease which ends at the end of April and the only two names that are on the lease are the parents who have essentially broken their lease agreement.  I received a call from the son on the 29th of last month informing me that he will be a week late with the rent, maybe more, and was wondering if he could make a partial payment.  I told him my policy is to only accept payments in full.  I don't want to hit him with an eviction notice since I know he's actively trying to come up with the money, but I also don't want to get burned.  The other concern I have is that, once the lease is up, this young man won't have enough to pay security deposit and first months rent on a new place and I might be stuck with him.  What would you do in this situation?

Thank you,

Michael

[Jeff B.]

Originally posted by @Kevin Yeats:

I fear this suggestion.  Does the unit need any work?  Painting?  New carpets?  Better landscaping?  You could offer discounts on the rent for March and April in exchange for doing work fixing up the place (in anticipation of new tenants).  Obviously NOT any work that requires a license but that solves two problems.

 It's a bad policy to allow tenants to 'work for rent', especially when an eviction is possible.

Unpaid work creates a sweat equity and in an eviction proceeding, the court could get the State Labor Board involved.

He needs to move on to something HE can afford, so inform him of the new lease terms that we will be facing (rent, deposit, month-to-month) and he will move out.