Should I send a notice of default?

[Joel Hutchinson]

My tenant and his wife are teachers and have 4 kids. He has good credit (>700) and she has poor credit. They have been paying on time for the past 6 months and now are requesting to make half the rent payment now along with half of the late fee, and then pay the remaining balance next month. They say that both of their vehicles broke down and the repairs totaled over $2,500. I would like to help them and don’t mind accepting half the rent this month, but I’m also wondering if I should mail them a notice of default just in case the late payments start to accumulate and become more and more delayed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thank You.

[Adam Martin]

Usually partial rent is a bad idea but if they told you upfront ideally before due I would let it slide this time.  In these times be glad you are getting anything and don’t give them reason to look up the cdc declaration.  This is a great way to see the character of your tenant but you have to be firm on dates.  If they are late again I would file they are teachers so their pay has not been cut.