She sent a series of angry texts - and I played host and placated for a few days, but could only be empathetic for so long.

Be empathetic if you want to keep them.P.S. - I love the Portland area...

The most insightful comments in this thread that I have read thus far was what @Jeff Cagle stated when he wrote, “a system produces what it incentivizes.”As a social worker who has probably had more training in social programs and understanding the mindset of people in poverty or who live in C-class properties than the majority of people on this thread, I am understanding and empathetic to people’s situations and their conditioning and training from childhood.

We need to be empathetic as landlords, but tenants need to take ownership of their situations as well and be responsible with their money to be able to weather some setbacks.  

3) If we think there are genuine reasons , we are offering a combination ( not all) of the following options.   3.a) Waive late fees.   3.b) Adjust their security deposit for the next months rent.   3.c) Offer flexible termination of the lease, if they want to vacate and move with family    3.d) Offer them additional 30 days to pay current rent.    3.e) Issue a notice to them that is empathetic to their situation , but also puts the eviction process rolling so it         can be executed once we we want and are legally able to.4) If we believe that they are taking unfair advantage of the situation and not paying rent ( They still have their job , no sickness etc) - we are providing them a notice to intent to evict as soon as we are legally able to.Welcome thoughts on anything we can do different.Thanks

I'm very clear (but empathetic) with my tenants.

I've given my renters some basic instructions in a kind, empathetic, but firm letter:1.

I think it's important for Landlords to be empathetic and flexible, but don't give away the farm.

It's nothing to be ashamed of - lots of people find they don't have the stomach for self-managing; sometimes you have to make decisions that are difficult for the empathetic part of you but are necessary for your own self-survival.

I started off being entirely too trusting, forgiving, and empathetic.