Good tenant on hard times NJ

[Johnathan Boyle]

Hello BP, This is a late post but I wanted to gather the intelligence of the community on an issue I'm fighting with consciously. I know there are several alternatives to this but I wanted people's input. So I have a tenant that lives upstairs from my unit. She is a great tenant and has paid her rent ($1600 a month) every time on the first of the month bright and early in the morning for the past 5 months. She text me the other day and I quote, " Hi, I know that when I moved in I agreed to pay 1600 because that's what you listed your apartment as but I was wondering if you would be willing to discuss a possible deduction. I just found out that (her children's father) relocated to Las Vegas and he doesn't pay child support. I have to go to court. I depended on his support because he never did this before. I know it's a hardship but I have to ask." Now, I don't know the full situation but she is a good tenant and doesn't bother for much honestly. She has a good job at the department of health in the city. So the amenities she is given is a parking spot, washer/dryer access in our basement and of course her own apartment with dish washer (not common from what I've seen). I live in Irvington so the tenant quality isn't always great but she has been. What does the community suggest? Drop some of the rent but take away an amenity? Keep the rent and hope for the best for her? Allow her out of the lease? Etc. I'm open to all suggestions. Also, important to note that I plan to move out of this home in march as I buy another home to live in so I will expect new tenants for this unit I'm living in by April or so. Thanks and let me know if anyone would need more info.

[Account Closed]

I would keep the same rent, and give her an option to end the lease early without penalty.

She can move out anytime as soon as she find a new place, I would give her back the security deposit after she move out.

To be honest, I would not want to keep her anymore. Sooner or later, she may not able to keep up with the rent if her financial situation become worst.

I would prefer she move-out early; however, we cannot force her to move-out early. It has to be her own willingness if she takes your option.

It would also be better for her to look for a cheaper place to herself some rent money.