Each child series holds a land trust for each property (TX + FL).

The most concerning thing of all is that she has at least one small child living there.

If I give a "free month" it will be the LAST month of the lease, and contingent on all prior months rents and fees having been paid in full and on time ...But I try to avoid such incentives - the only way I would consider it is if all the nearby competing units were making that kind of offer.Keep in mind that income can come from more sources than just employment; things like disability, child support, alimony ...

Specifics matter.These are all "sex offenders": 1) Tenant was convicted of rape of young children and distribution of child porn and was just released last month. 2) Tenant was 18 and caught having sex with his 17 year old girlfriend.

They unfortunately ran into some money troubles as they were having a child at the time, and fell behind on their rent. 

You can write the lease in his name and have him sign, but include her as an occupant similar to if he had a teenage child.

Would you want your child to rent this basement? 

Aloha,If this was indeed a plaster and lath ceiling, you should thank your stars no one was IN the bed...that kind of weight could kill someone, especially a child.

I was unfortunately home with a sick child, so I missed it. 

You could move into one of the units and then move in your parent or child into the other unit, which will still require you to give cash for keys to the tenant you are moving out.