But most modern furnaces have electronic ignition, so there is no pilot light to burn.

Rent is due on the 1st and even thou she submit electronic form to have it automatically withdrawn I doubt she will pay it. 

And if they leave belongings, make sure you get them to sign a move out sheet that explicitly states their belongings will be disposed of, so they can't sue you for their invaluable electronics/jewels/pot of gold they left behind and you threw out...

I collect all of my rents electronically via Chase Quickpay.

The Schlage keypad handle systems work well too and lock automatically, but I have had complaints from a landlord who used them and the electronics stopped working after a year and just after the warranty expired....As far as the widows go...'

Something you might want to consider if you have the ability to take electronic payments.  

If the place is indeed empty (no food, clothing, medications, personal electronics, etc.), and the father himself has turned off the utilities, it's considered abandoned.

I have a reminder in my phone for 3 days ahead of the due date to electronically make payment so I dont lose than 0% rate.  

We've been slowly, but steadily, moving to electronic locks which we can manage remotely and if necessary, audit the access history.

I would switch to an electronic method of collecting rent or add a rent drop box to your porch; leave maintenance requests outside your door.