non paying tenant has demands

[Jane S.]

This tenant has been paying on time or early thru Dec 31 2019 for almost 3 years. I agreed to accept lowered rent for the final 3 months of their lease January thru March 31 2020. (he is a tile setter and has not been getting work due to builders problems). I wrote up an addendum that allows me to start showing the house & posting signs March 1 and I agreed to accept greatly reduced rent of $1100 for jan & feb and $1200 for March. They also agree to forfeit their security deposit, $1675. The lease requires rent payment of $1745.  However I have no idea what the condition of the property will be March 31 when they move out, altho it is in pristine shape right now. He asked if I would write a letter of recommendation and I agreed, but I realize that was a mistake, since I won't know whether they delivered the house in ready to rent condition if I write a letter now. He's trying to make me responsible for them finding another rental. It's not my fault they are up against it. In addition I believe that the letter should not be included as an item in the addendum which covers the reduced rent and security deposit forfeiture. He also said I agreed not to show the house before they moved out. I dont remember agreeing to this, but i did agree to hold off on any remodeling until after they move.

This tenant has no right to be making demands since the lease they signed does not allow them to expect  me to reduce their rent. I should have just proceeded with an eviction. But that would cost me more! Also I have not asked for rent for the washer/dryer after their first year, or a pet fee either.

There are many ways to borrow a few $100's --dont know why they havent used their credit cards etc.

I gave their daughter $20 cash for a school trip she plays in the band and she never said thank you. Last time I do something like that.

I even allowed them to split the january rent into 2 payments of $550. I must be nuts.

He didnt ***** about the security deposit forfeiture. Maybe he found a way to sue me for it.

we have nothing new in writing as of yet.  This is partly my fault. I should have just said "pay or get out".