Inherited tenant- HELP!

[Nicole Robinson]

We bought a 2 family property in MA with an inherited tenant. Spoke with them about rent payment and they said their previous landlord had always accepted rent the 3rd week because they use SS to pay for it although the lease says rent is due the 1st of every month. Also, they asked to post date the checks and give them to me so I could deposit them on a specific date. Did not give us full payment for the security deposit and said previous landlord had taken it from them so they couldn’t pay it. What should I do in this situation? Never been a landlord before, and don’t know how to handle it. Also received a life story of woe to go along with why they couldn’t pay on time. Do I accept that? If so, how do I document the late payments so the paperwork holds up later down the line if there are more issues? Or should I start the eviction process- any tips on that? I’ve heard MA is really on the side of tenants most of the time. Thank you for any advice!!!!!