Tenant consistently paying late (New York)

[Dan F.]

One of my tenants has been consistently paying late the last few months. It started back in September when she said she was in the hospital, so I let it slide then she said she was getting “help” which ended up being emergency rent from the county that dragged in to October. I then signed a letter from the county that said they would pay September and October (which I still haven’t received a check for but finally finished processing).

Then last month (November) she didn’t pay and I sent her a 14 day demand for rent letter (new standard in NY). She then sent me a series of nasty texts but finally paid on the very last day of the 14 day period. On top of all that the other tenant in that house is saying she is harassing her about her garbage can and keeps moving it despite it being in a common area. She also left cigarette butts in the house which i sent her a cease letter for but can’t prove if shes still smoking in the house.

Now she is late again for December and has given another excuse. I’m going to give her another demand for rent letter but I’m really at a loss as to what to do here since she is on a year lease until April. From what I understand even if I take her to court for eviction she can pay up to the last day before the sheriffs come then she can stay. Any advice is much appreciated!

[Ronan Donnelly]

@Dan F. - in my experience, problems do not get better with age. Take the emption out of it by setting clear parameters (pay on time or accept a fine) and consequences if the parameters are not met (start eviction proceedings if rent is more than 10 days past due and charge the cost to the tenant). Making it the tenants responsibility is the only way you can scale. Good luck! Ronan