Have a tenant that is $150 short (Florida)

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Have a tenant that is $150 short (Florida)

Ryan Cleary
Investor · Palm Beach County, FL · Member since 2019 · 370 posts · 330 votes

I have a tenant that I am self-managing.  Her rent is $1,350, she has been there for 1.5 years, always on time. We have a good relationship. She was 2 weeks late this month, she was transparent as to what was going on so I gave her the benefit of the doubt. When she finally paid, it was $150 short. I reached back out asking for the remainder to be paid yesterday.  She agreed but no money was paid.  

I am nervous this will put us in a bad position for March.  Not sure how I should proceed.

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Ko KashiwagiPro Member
Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2022 · 967 posts · 445 votes
2y

Hi Ryan,

What does your lease agreement say in regards to late payments and late fees? As much as it's nice to give the tenant a benefit of the doubt, this can lead to slippery slopes and often ruin landlord experiences. It's good to stay professional and show sympathy, but it's important you enforce the rules set in the lease agreement. Tenant laws depend by regions, but in general it's a bad idea to accept partial payments as there is a chance you need to wait longer for evictions.

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  • Diane Chapman
    New to Real Estate · MI · Member since 2024 · 70 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Glen Wiley:

    Speaking from experience. Do NOT let this continue. She will probably gradually get further and further behind.

    I hate to be this way, but if the rent is not paid in full each month then I evict them. I wish I could be gentler, but I have been taken advantage of this often enough that I have learned it is not a good idea.


     Question! Is there a way that a Landlord can legally find out {before the tenant is accepted and moves in} if a tenant is a serial non-paying rent tenant? I hope this isn't a silly question.

    1Reply
  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Diane Chapman:
    Quote from @Glen Wiley:

    Speaking from experience. Do NOT let this continue. She will probably gradually get further and further behind.

    I hate to be this way, but if the rent is not paid in full each month then I evict them. I wish I could be gentler, but I have been taken advantage of this often enough that I have learned it is not a good idea.


     Question! Is there a way that a Landlord can legally find out {before the tenant is accepted and moves in} if a tenant is a serial non-paying rent tenant? I hope this isn't a silly question.


     Check their previous rental references. Do a background check on them using one of the services that will check for court actions. 

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  • Diane Chapman
    New to Real Estate · MI · Member since 2024 · 70 posts · 22 votes
    2y

    Thank You JD Martin!👍

    2Reply
  • Carlos Ramirez
    Investor · Santa Barbara · Member since 2022 · 30 posts · 12 votes
    2y

    Ryan,

    Here’s how you can handle the situation with your tenant who is $150 short on rent:

    1. Check the Lease: Look at your lease agreement for rules about late payments and fees.
    2. Communicate: Remind your tenant in writing about the missing $150 and any late fees that might apply.
    3. Stay Firm: While it's good to be understanding, don’t accept partial payments going forward. It can set a bad precedent.
    4. Plan for March: Make it clear to your tenant that the full rent needs to be paid on time next month to avoid further issues.
    5. Consult a Professional: If the issue persists, consider talking to a property management professional or an attorney for advice.

    Good luck, 

    Carlos

    3Reply
  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    DONT PANIC! IT IS ONLY A LATE PAYMENT OF $150! We have tenants that have been with us for 5+ years and they have been late every month. It Is Not The End Of The World! All you need to do is stay consistent with the late charges, the communication, and potential penalty's. Hard times fall on everyone... its ok to be late, fall behind, and get caught up.

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  • Diane Chapman
    New to Real Estate · MI · Member since 2024 · 70 posts · 22 votes
    2y

    Thank You JD Martin!👍

    0Reply
  • Diane Chapman
    New to Real Estate · MI · Member since 2024 · 70 posts · 22 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Carlos Ramirez:

    Ryan,

    Here’s how you can handle the situation with your tenant who is $150 short on rent:

    1. Check the Lease: Look at your lease agreement for rules about late payments and fees.
    2. Communicate: Remind your tenant in writing about the missing $150 and any late fees that might apply.
    3. Stay Firm: While it's good to be understanding, don’t accept partial payments going forward. It can set a bad precedent.
    4. Plan for March: Make it clear to your tenant that the full rent needs to be paid on time next month to avoid further issues.
    5. Consult a Professional: If the issue persists, consider talking to a property management professional or an attorney for advice.

    Good luck, 

    Carlos


     Thank you Carlos!

    1Reply
  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    @Ryan Cleary you should have a sent an eviction notice already.

    Our PMC doesn't care WHY a tenant is late, they automatically get an eviction notice!

    This, "starts the clock" and pressures them with a deadline.

    Of course, we work with them and try to be reasonable, but the clock is always ticking on their excuses...

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