The fact that you let the rent go so far behind just shows how compassionate you are as a family member, and you are right, that 'soft spot,' does fall under one of the infinite reasons why not to do business with family.

I never want to have the reputation of being a soft touch for having paid bribes.

Or is this a soft eviction where you have told her she has to move out by the end of the month, but you haven't actually taken legal (meaning court) action yet? 

In other words, this soft-hearted person over here may not be strong enough to give you a consequence - so, let ME be you consequence." 

It's hard to be strict but it's MUCH harder to deal with the hassle you'll create when being too soft! 

They also may not have easy transportation, so it may be easiest to get a bank account at a nearby bank where they can deposit their rent.Also, some Social Security payments are not received until the 3rd, so you may need to adjust their due date.And don't be soft when you hear a sob story about not having rent because they had to spend money on this or that and they're so poor, etc. 

This is a house I put in last summer so the ground is still a bit soft and he buried the truck to the axle in the mud. 

Speaking sofftly doesn’t mean you are soft.

I have a soft spot for the elderly and yes, perhaps I did let her push me around too much.

You seem to allow you to be bit flexible without making you too soft.