Good tenant starting to struggle to pay rent

[Albert Johnson]

Tenant doesn't have the full rent this month. Not sure when they will have it. I haven't ask yet or accepted the partial.

this tenant has always paid on time. They recently experienced a death in the family and also one their utilities has been very high.

They were behind one month prior but caught up and paid late fees.

How should I approach or handle this?

[Jules Aton]

I may be in the minority and as a small landlord it is easier but I tend to be flexible with good tenants who have the occasional struggle. I'd ask them if this is a short term thing or if they feel the place is no longer affordable and if no longer affordable let them out of the lease. If this is a one off I'd work with them, get an addendum in writing as to how and when they will catch up. I had one tenant who on a few occasions would pay whatever they could afford for the present month and spread the rest out over the following 3 or 6 months. They always paid as agreed upon. It didn't hurt me financially, I kept a good tenant and felt like I was doing the decent thing as a human being.