When do you let tenants slide on rent?

Question

I know some landlords are the hard NEVER! But I do think there is a time and place to reduce rent or work something out with tenants as hard times do come and I believe as landlords we need to also help them to our best ability. I am curious to hear stories or situations that you did something unique to help a tenant?

Adam Martin · Answer

I never let rent slide but my first tenants moved in and had child that was about 18 months old.  As he got older they found out he was autistic and needed a lot of help and there is a special school in OH that could really help him but if he lived in KY where my rental was it would be 30k/year, free when they moved to OH.  They were 14 months into a 2 year lease and I waived the break fee.  He also needed a legit service dog but they couldn't afford it but had paperwork from the dr it would be helpful.  I let them get a regular dog without bothering them about the ESA letter or charging pet rent.  Karma came back at me in a good way and I raised rent $100/month for the next tenant with no vacancy.

Nicholas U. · Answer

Some of it has to do with history.  If they have been a good tenant for a good track record I would be willing to sit down with them and talk about how best to work out the situation.  Evicting or leaving it empty costs money too.

Right now I have been relatively lucky, but last April when the shutdown occurred in my state I provided relief to all tenants regardless of situation.  I simply told them if they didn't need the assistance I would like them to donate the money to someone who does, but obviously that is up to them.

Now if I had someone who moved in a few months before I would be far more cautious about what they are requesting.