Rent is late ...should I pursue it?

[Account Closed]

Four tenants pay the total rent. It was set up ( NOT by me) for them to pay 1/4 of the rent each ( which I thought is ridiculous. I would have set it up for one of the tenants represents the others and pays the total rent). I sent them the website to pay rent. This is the first time they used the website. One of them was late so the late fee applies to all 4 tenants( House is rent as a whole). Should I pursue the late fee? What would be the best action? Any advice/input would be much appreciated 

[Mary M.]

I would talk to them. Perhaps there was a misunderstanding or one of them is not good with tech. 

I would pick up the phone or text the person who was late and just have a conversation.  I dont charge late fees on the first time someone is late.  But if I were going to chatge the late fee in this situation I would charge a prorated fee based on the amount that was late.  I would text/call tenant and say “hey, noticed rent was late.... since it arrived on x day I will need to charge an x late fee” 

i find tenants respond better if you treat them as customers and not opponents  

And finally, i am happy to have 4 tenants pay rent from 4 different accounts.  It does not bother me at all. 

Forgot to add: be sure your area does not have a COVID overlay on your local tenant/landlord laws