But service dogs seem an excuse to avoid no-pet clause.

The software takes the human emotion out of the equation and tenants react to it like they would getting a bank fee or credit card fee which leaves little room for the typically excuses as well as having to deal with them.

(Allowing for weekends and Holidays) No excuses will be accepted as to why rent is late.Second of the month 7 Day Notice to Quit is sent to the Tenant(s).

Saying you're "not handy" is a fairly poor excuse in my opinion ... nobody is handy when they start, but you learn by doing.

That is not an acceptable excuse for subjecting your family to this situation.

They all have some very legitimate excuse.

Paid on time first month and already scheduled payment for July, take great care of the property, but are very needy, had to ask them to pick up some dog droppings a couple of times and heard nothing but excuses (don't normally allow pets) and now with this bit of manipulation, I just don't want it to go too far!

(＠￣Д￣＠；) It's not an excuse though.

One point of my criteria that I learned to include over time - if someone is late, without a phone call and a darn good excuse - denied. 

You've just about got it figured out, and you didn't lose the farm during your learning curve.You learn not to cave to excuses.