tenant stole her rent !!

[Joe Paoletta]

All, 

I have my tenant's drop off rent to my small business. The employees provide a receipt and i collect later... Well this evening a tenant stole back her rent. 

My daughter (20) was working the store this evening when a tenant dropped off her rent. My daughter counted the money, wrote a receipt... During a brief distraction the rent and the receipt were gone.  they were alone. 

Of course my kid wouldn't steal from me... the tenant is playing dumb..."no i don't have it"... her background check was clean when i took her on.

i believe she grabbed it (either by error or on purpose) 

i know i'm screwed on this one..

she is on a short term lease (she's like 4-5 months into a 6 mo) which i will not renew...  

i've been at this 24 years and have my share of crappy tenents... but this is a first

ive always accepted any form of payment. maybe its time for check or money orders only 

any thoughts ?   

joe