Would you respond to tenant's text?

[Jesse M.]

Have a tenant in NJ who is being evicted, he didnt show up in court so it was a default judgement and he is about to get served the notice prior to lockout...prob early this week with lockout 3+ days later.

He tried to catch up a bit even while skipping eviction hearing but is still 3 months behind without even counting late fees and court fees, and september approaching fast.  Claims he is sending another months rent this friday.  

His rent is a good 40% below market (inherited tenant)

He doesnt seem to recognize that he is going to get locked out soon and sent me two texts today asking if i was getting his payments, and telling me that he will be sending another friday.

I honestly feel bad for the guy, he took decent care of the apt but was constantly late/behind, he has a tough/seasonal job.  He was constantly ignoring my messages or stringing me along with excuses before the eviction started, and now im pondering whether to respond with anything to his text messages.

Im not stopping the eviction, but would you say anything to him to empathize or warn him about whats coming, or even say anything that might prevent him from destroying his apt on his way out?

Or would you just ignore it and let the process happen?

Im wondering if ignoring it will increase the odds that he gets angry and destroys the place.  I've already written off the lost rent, and dont anticipate i can get another payment out of him before he gets served the notice for lockout.

What would you do?  Would you reply to him?