Upcoming tenant start date pushed back

[Kim Parker]

Hi BiggerPockets community,
We have a MTR that we rent the main floor and lower level separately to traveling healthcare professionals. It has gone very well so far.

We are set to welcome our next guest in two days. We have a holding deposit/agreement in place and the lease is already signed and prorated rent paid. 

She let me know yesterday that the hospital may push her start date back a week — sounds like it’s due to laggy intake processes (not her fault). 

If she cancels, I would keep the holding deposit. If she was already here and needed to leave early, I have that clearly outlined in the lease. 

If she wants me to hold it for her an additional week, would you have her pay rent as usual? Would you change lease dates? Some compromise in the middle?

Also, do you have this outlined in your MTR lease? I do have a failure to take occupancy piece in the lease, but the wording in it really is more geared towards a 12 month lease.

Thanks for your advice!

[Zachary Deal]

I think this is really a personal preference. I would think meeting somewhere in the middle would be the best option for all parties. You'll lose a few days rent but ultimately a positive review and future recommendations from the nurse may be more valuable than that. Curious what you decide on so let me know!