HELP! PM misquoted due-by date - should I waive those late fees?

[Rosy Bruno]

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice on whether I should charge my tenants a late fee. Here's the issue:

Our lease states that the tenants will incur a late fee if payment isn't received after the 3rd. Our PM was telling them (verbally) that is was the 5th (she was getting different leases confused). So the tenants went by her word and took the 5th as the due-by date - 3 of their payments landed between the 4th and 5th (technically late).

They have a few other late fee charges (for other missed rent and amenities) that we have yet to receive payment for and we are working with them on a payment plan for these (the husband was able to get another job).

Should I charge them a late fee? I know, technically, I can get away with it, but I feel like that's pretty harsh.

If not, do I charge the PM? Is that even a thing?

I guess I should also note that they are renewing their lease on a month to month basis so I don't want to have a strained relationship with them; even though all I'm doing is enforcing the lease.

Thank you everyone!!!

Rosy