Questionable Rent Check from Tenant & Third Party

[Nick K.]

The tenant is late on rent for the third time (yeah, I know). It's due on the 1st. I received a strange check on the 3rd. It was cut by a company I do not recognize and she did not give me any heads up that she planned to pay rent in this way. Plus, her name is nowhere on the shipping envelope, nor the check. I asked her if she knew anything about it and she stated that it was from her "business manager". "Business manager" sounds like a red flag because she has a salaried position that I wouldn't see requiring a business manager.

Under California Law (AB 2219), I have to accept rent through a third party, but I can require a signed document stating that my acceptance of the rent from this third party does not make them a tenant. She got combative, stating that her business manager and attorney told her that I must accept the check.

Seems odd to me. I am suspicious of the check, mainly because she's been a pain in the butt since day one and I don't trust her. I asked her why she herself couldn't just send me a personal check. Has anyone ever encountered something like this? Something tells me that she doesn't have the money and she's either borrowing it or getting an advance.

[Wesley W.]

I would part ways with her.  She sounds like a problem on more than one level.  You want someone who can just pay their rent on time without any other associated drama.  Issue a notice to terminate and find a better tenant, if that is still an option in Kalifornia these days.