New landlords, tenant is late on rent for the 3rd month

[Craig Spencer]

We have tenants that moved in October of last year, 3 months ago. We are new homeowners, and new parents. We bought the duplex that we have been living in for the past five years, and we are living in one side of it. We spent time selecting a tenant, we did a credit check, but we did not call references. The tenant has been late on rent every month since she moved in, and has neglected to pay the late fee ($25) each month, even though it is plainly outlined in the lease. Are we able to evict on these grounds? We are in Michigan.

[Michael Lewis]

Screw that cash for keys crap. If they goto pay the next months rent without the late fees refuse to take it and start the eviction process. I hate the idea of rewarding bad behavior. Maybe the threat of an eviction on their record will motivate them to pay the past due and start paying on time.