Leniency for Tenant Job Loss/Late Rent

[Mark S.]

Tenant has lived in property for 10 months and has always paid rent in full. Tenant recently lost a job (but found a new one!) and proactively communicated this to the property manager. Tenant is supposedly waiting on delayed paycheck from new job to pay rent and made a commitment to pay rent by end of next week (Sept. 20th). I spoke with property management company and they seemed confident in the tenant’s ability to make payment as they stated the tenant was proactive in communicating with them and it was a “no nonsense” type of approach by the tenant. The PM said they’ve “heard all the stories,” but this seems legit.

I’m concerned that this could lead to perpetual lateness in future rent since September will almost be over before full payment is made. I’ve never had anyone be this late before, but I’m very hesitant to have the PM post an eviction notice when the tenant proactively explained to the PM what’s going on.

My thought is to see if tenant keeps commitment of paying by end of next week. If so, no action needed. If not, start eviction process.

I know some will be harsh and say they would have posted pay or quit notice on day 3 or day 5, etc., but this is new to me and I’m trying to remain calm as the PM seems to think this will work itself out.

Am I being too soft? Should I insist on eviction proceedings (which is likely only going to piss the tenant off, who will then likely destroy the property, etc.)?

[Angie Shires]

@Mark S. I would trust the PM on this one, if you've had no issues with the tenant in 10 months and he's being upfront about it! Everyone hits a snag every once in a while, sounds like he deserves a break on this one time...if it happens again, time to evict...