Tenant not paying Rent

[Cedric Volkmer]

I currently have a 1 bedroom/ 1 bath unit that the tenant stopped paying rent for after losing her job. I have notified her and talked to her about being late on rent and that it is a breach of the lease agreement.

What in your experience is the best next step for me to take as the landlord? My property is located in Peoria, Illinois. 

[Nathan Gesner]

She already knows it's a breach of the lease agreement. Talking to her is more likely to exacerbate the issue.

When a tenant starts to struggle, the best thing you can do for all concerned is treat it like a business. Serve written notice as soon as the law/lease allows. Charge the late fee. Start the eviction.

Look at how a late payment is handled by every business: utilities, cell phone, car loan, mortgage, etc. They don't call and ask why the payment is late. They don't listen to sob stories. They don't try reasoning with you or negotiating some kind of plan. They send notice, they charge fees, they take action. They do it professionally, in accordance with the law and the agreement, it's in writing, it's without emotion. That's what most people respect and react to.