Renter caught Corona virus

[Tera Edwards]

I have an out of state tenant in Nebraska that has lost her job due to her catching the corona virus.  She is a young nurse and has recently recovered, but has gotten fired because she wasn't showing up for work.  Her boyfriend still has a job and can pay his half of the rent.  She said she should be able to pay her half because she is going to get unemployment and her taxes should be coming back soon, but does not know when that will be.  I would like to show her some type of leniency, but not sure how much leniency I should show her.  Do I give her free rent for a month or two?  Do I discount it?  Should I extend the time I allow her to pay rent?  What is a good way to be sensitive towards her situation, but not too sensitive that she will feel like she can skip out on rent payments?

P.S. They have paid rent late every month since last August and had an excuse why, but always paid it, including the late fees.  

[Steve Smithy]

Aren't hospitals desperate for nurses and staff now?  I would think if she is recovered she could get a job in a day!  What hospital would fire her for getting the obvious sickness that everyone expects?  Sounds like something else to me and coronavirus is the excuse.

I'm not in Nebraska, but in Massachusetts unemployment takes over a month to start receiving during normal times when the government isn't shutdown like it is now, and taxes take even longer (unless she goes to H&R Block and they do instant refund for a fee).

Realistically, I wouldn't evict them just yet though, I would think that some rent is better than no rent right now.  Just keep calling and asking about the rent so they know you expect to be paid back.  Is there other COVID-19 assistance in Nebraska that can help?