Ever ok to forgive late fee?

Question

My tenants have paid rent on time for 3 years . It’s due on the 8 th - they get their check on the 5 th .

She texted me on the 8 th

to say SS messed up the check

and it just went out .

So now it’s a legal holiday - if I get it tomorrow it will be 4 days late .

Either I train them to send on time no matter what ,

or I let it go just this once .

WWYD? Thanks!!

Jill F. · Answer

I use late fees to punish tenant behavior I don't want to see again. In this situation it was a mistake on someone else's part you will never punish that kind of thing away. Tell them late fee waived do to excellent payment history (to reward 3 years of good behavior)

Jake K. · Answer

They have paid on time for 3 years? Of course let it go this time..be human

Greg M. · Answer

They have paid rent on time for 3 years, they appear to be living SS check to SS check, for the first time they will be a couple of days late possibly due to forces outside their control, and they let you know about it and you're considering charging them a late fee? That's harsh! I wouldn't even consider charging them a late fee in this case.

Bryan Devitt · Answer

I would let it go. Late fees are there essentially to train tenants to put you first. They paid on time for 3 years, they're trained. Everyone makes a mistake or has an issue now and then. $30 isn't going to do much for you, but there is a good chance it pisses them off and causes problems that could snowball to them leaving

Philip Williams · Answer

Glad to see most are in agreeance, I actually thought everyone might go the other direction. I had a tenant who was on time for almost 3 years have the exact same situation come up. I told her not to worry about the late fee and guess what she is still a awesome tenant who hasn't been late once in the 2 years since!

Anna Buffkin · Answer

My policy is to waive one a year no questions asked.

Marci Stein · Answer

Ok got it - no late fee

This time only . Thank you.

Account Closed · Answer

I’d say you just made 30 dollars in late fees, due to your tenant not paying on time.

I always charge the late fee.  The 3 day grace period is a gift you give.  Ok the 4th day it is late.

May sound harsh but if you let it slide with one then others will follow or this one will start paying later and later.

Ever ok to forgive late fee?

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