Rent is ACTUALLY lost in the mail (with a tracking number)

[Matt Faix]

We have a tenant that pays by money order every month, but when she mailed this month's rent it never arrived. She sends it with a tracking number since it's a money order, and we can see that it actually IS lost in the mail this time (went to the wrong post office somehow). 

1. Would you still charge a late fee? She mailed it on the 1st, should have arrived on the 2nd. It is still outstanding and is now the 9th. However, it looks like it truly is the fault of the post office. 

2. Since it's a money order not a check, she would have to get an additional $600 to settle December's rent, which she does not have available. Would you still post notice even if this is an otherwise good tenant that always pays on time? 

[Deanna McCormick]

As far as I know proof of mail is the tracking number which is what you said was mailed on the 1st.  So the fact you have to wait for delivery isn't her fault. Her rent in my minds eye isn't late it's lost.

She is smart to have a tracking number on it. Now she has proof to take to money order place to put a stop payment on that money order and have a new money order reissued. Which they will do.

It will take time but she should be able to get it taken care of. OF course she doesnt' have the 600 it's in limbo with money order company but it's there she just has to file a stop payment and reissue. which will probably cost her a  few bucks to do.

My experience with this is I had to track quite a few missing money orders and with proof of purchase if lost they will be cancelled, and replaced. 

If she had sent a check and tracked the letter she'd have to do the same thing stop payment on the lost check, and reissue a check,, just with a checking account it's somewhat faster.

So you wait a few days.. OMG is this that hard to figure out..

IF the late fee is that important to you I guess your in the wrong business.

She in good faith of the stupid postal service sent you her money.

Charge the post office the late fee.