Inheriting a long term tenant that is paying late but catches up

[Ally Kumar]

I am buying a duplex and inheriting a tenant that has been there for 4 years, a single mom. It seems she is usually late with rent payments but catches up within few months. She is otherwise good tenant and keep her unit clean. Her lease doesn't expire for almost a year. I am new at this, any advice on how to handle this situation is appreciated. I have been listening to podcasts about being firm in my rules but this is an otherwise good tenant. Suggestions?

[Account Closed]

I was a single mother and often struggled, including having to go to the food bank, even.  I never paid my rent late and never asked for a favor from my landlord, to allow me to pay my rent late.

When she pays the rent late because she buys her kids birthday presents - it's really you buying the presents for the kids.

When a tenant doesn't pay rent, you are the one paying for whatever it is they chose to spend their money on instead of rent.

And don't assume they're scrimping on macaroni and cheese or buying a funky old car.  They're spending their money.  They're just not giving it to you.

It's not your job to support her.  If she can't afford your apartment, she needs to find one she can afford.  It's called being a grown-up.