What would you do?

[Christina Galdieri]

Hi All, 

I have a tenant that has been in my unit for 8 months now and just called to ask if she can move her rent to the 15th. Backstory on her: She owned a house and had a fire. She used the insurance money to pay of the mortgage even though the house is unlivable. Now she's in our unit (with her kids grandkids) she is a teachers aide and was unable to find a job over the summer in the depressed area the unit is in. My thoughts: 

1. She hasn't been late on rent ever and has been an ideal tenant. 

2. She is likely to stay for a long time and has even said that. 

3. I was thinking of telling her if I get 1/2 of the rent on the 1st I could be ok with the rest on the 15th. 

4. I would give her 3 months to get back to full rent on the 1st (but in reality I don' know if this is feasible). 

5. I did take an extra month of security based on her credit history (not stellar) but I don' really want to touch that. 

6. Telling her that if this can't work she should start looking for new housing? 

Any other ideas/solutions? 

Thanks!

[Colleen F.]

@Christina Galdieri   I would allow her to move to the 15th if she could pay half on the first. If ultimately what she wants is to go to the 15th all the time and pay monthly I would be okay with that.  I think you might want to find out if she is asking to pay twice a month or just move the date?  You should amend the lease to do that if it is long term.