Should I accept partial rent?

[Neal Ward]

Should I waive the late fee and accept partial payment for a nurse who works for the government? She “said” her hours were cut at work durning the shutdown, however she never missed a check while the government was shutdown. Her husband is a state police officer, so I don’t see why I should waive a late fee and not proceed with eviction notices if he is working,

[Marc Winter]

Let's try flipping this story:  tenant calls with a maintenance complaint of a clogged toilet/sewer, owner responds with 'I don't have the money to do it right now because my spouse lost their job'.

Tenant of course would understand and tell you 'no rush, when you get the money together, let me know'.

NOT.

Owners and renters have a written contract--a lease--for a reason.  It spells out what the rights, responsibilities and penalties for non-compliance are.  Stick to the lease.  No partial payments.  They already have a payment plan--it's called the LEASE.