Paying Rent Late

[Steve Rozenberg]

Should You Ever Let Your Tenant Be Late with the Rent?

[Andrew Michael]

Every time I try to be lenient it seems to compound the issue I am dealing with.  If you give a few inches soon they take a mile.  The first time a tenant is late, I talk to them and clearly lay out what will happen moving forward if the issue continues.  I also remind them of the agreement and late penalty procedures that are listed in their lease.  I think the most important thing is to follow through.  If you show weakness or a passive attitude you are sure to be taken advantage of moving forward.  

If there is a valid reason such as a family emergency or something of that nature I try not to be a heartless land lord but the truth is late payments are almost always a result of laziness and lack of priorities.