Late rent charge unpaid in Cozy

[Andrew S.]

I recently had a tenant pay partial rent on the 4th (rent is due on the 1st with a 5 day grace period). They had asked if I'd drive by to collect a third part check but I told them I don't accept third party checks. There was no proactive communication about possible late rent. The tenant now sent over the remainder of the rent (through Cozy) on the 7th but didn't pay the administration charge online. Should I worry about communicating there's an additional $50 remaining or wait until next month to see if it gets paid? I assume they don't "want" to pay the administration charge...They were late because they didn't want to go to the bank to cash their other check.

[Cassi Justiz]

I would issue a "pay or quit" notice to get the extra funds and set the expectation that late rent has consequences.  If you have a late fee on a credit card or utility bill, it doesn't just go away because you choose not to pay it.   

Most leases will have wording that fees are paid before rent is applied. So technically they probably still owe "rent." Depending on your lease agreement, you may have provisions that allow for interest to be charged on outstanding balances. I would not recommend waiting until next month to see if it gets paid.