How should I reply to rent payment delay?

[Robert Clement]

I just received this message from one of our tenants that we just renewed their lease agreement, and they been paying on the first, no complains. Not sure if I need to be a little flexible or not at all.

Tenant: "I hate to ask this but is there anyway, we can push the rent payment on February 1st back a couple weeks? I was laid off from my job the evening of the 25th and I need a couple weeks to find a job and get a first pay check."

I do not want to be to harsh, but I want them to pay on the first.

Thank you!