I need advice on tenants who pay late

[Yaimis Vera]

I have had these tenants for a year now. They’re always calling me to fix little things. In the past two months they have been late and I have informed them to add late fee to the rent payment, but they don’t submit it. They’re also not proactive about informing they’re going to be late. What would be my legal options in this matter? It’s only $1000 a month and they should be able to manage their finances. Would they be breaking the lease agreement if they’re not paying the late fee?

Please advise. Thank you!

[Peter Tverdov]

Depends on the lease but the late fee becomes part of rent. If they have not paid the late fee, they have not paid the full rent amount. Post a pay or quit notice and start eviction process. They'll start paying.

Of course with the eviction moratorium that makes that strategy tougher