Collecting the rent in person, and the lease

[Bienes Raices]

I've decided to make the rent due by the 4th of each month and pick it up from the tenant each month at the property.

Is there a good way to word this arrangement in the lease so that the tenant can't stand me up at the appointment and having to go back, etc.?

[James Harkness]

If I were your tenant, I wouldn't be too pleased with this arrangement. Things happen, and I have an extremely busy schedule. I would not want to be tied down to having to meet you in person to pay the rent. Why not allow a check to be mailed, or some other option. It is a lot easier to drop a check in the mail than to have to set time aside out of my day to make sure I can meet with you.

Personally, I also travel a lot for work. What happens when your tenant is out of town? Do they have to pay you before they leave, or would you accept "late" rent when they return?