Giving back rent payment

[Andrew Torres]

I am a landlord in Coachella, CA and rent my house room by room. I have a tenant who paid through Venmo several days ago. The money has completely gone through to my bank without issue.

However, he is asking for the money back and saying he will pay it again on the 6th.

Pay or Vacate notice is after the 5th and starting the 10th is $25 late fee.

Is this allowed and if not then what do I say or do?

[Carl Millsap]

@Andrew Torres your tenant is essentially asking you to loan him money. If he's paid why is he requesting the money back?

My answer would be no, I'm not returning the money if it is rightly due as a payment. 

Just a couple thoughts / observations:

1. Check Venmo terms and conditions for commercial payments. Cashapp and some others don't "allow" rent payments and he could challenge the payment if that is the case with Venmo. At least the is my understanding....you should verify for your own understanding.

2. If your pay or vacate notice is on the 5th then why does the late fee start on the 10th? Our rent is due on the 1st, grace period to the 3rd on the 4th late fees start. Just something to consider.....if he is going to pay on the 6th the thought maybe you're giving him 6 days to pay so why pay now, he can do something else with the money.