Tenant signed over his check to pay rent. Check was returned.

[Ting Liu]

One of my tenants got a check from his job. Then he signed over the check to me to pay his rent.  The check was returned by my bank due to insufficient fund.  Before the issue was resolved, my tenant left that company.  His ex-boss refused to issue him another check. Meanwhile, the tenant is an immigrant without paper. Therefore, he is afraid of going to court to sue his ex-boss. The tenant is willing to pay me the rent with his money.  I would like to help him out if possible. Here is my question. 

Can I sue his-boss in small claim court since the check has been signed over to me? Do I have a good chance to win?

Thank you!

[Kyle J.]

Forget about going after the boss.  Don't make this more complicated than it needs to be.  Your tenant is the one who owes you money for rent.  He's the one you have a contract with, not his boss.  If your tenant gives you a check for rent and it later bounces, than he still owes you rent.  Period. 

P.S. In the future, don't accept checks like this from your tenants.  Have the person who the check is made out to cash it, and then pay you.