I studied law and the owner I worked for also had a membership to the CA Apartment Association, but the Nolo books are hands-down much better than the Apt Association's forms and explain the law in a way that's easy to understand.I learned that you can be really empathetic to tenants without compromising profits. 

It seems like being empathetic and compassionate would be the right thing to do in this situation especially since no one is at fault for wrongdoing.

Sure, it sucks and it's a tough spot for them and I am empathetic towards their situation.

You call it letting people take advantage of you, I call it being empathetic and working with people.

@David Shiling I was empathetic with 1st tenant...hospital, car broke down, I made a payment plan which she defaulted on, eventually evicted her, but lost $3kSimilarly with tenant on other side of duplex: death in the family, times are hard...paid rent every other month.

I strive for excellence in everything I do.I bought my first piece of raw land when I was 10 years old, one acre on contract for deed, no money down, that I paid for with my paper route; $50 per month out of the $110 that I earned (the owner was very empathetic to my situation).

The communication should be friendly, transparent, and empathetic, and is typically best in person or over the phone.Make sure to provide a deadline for the tenant to sign the renewal or provide notice so you are prepared for the potential vacancy. 

Most of us know this from his first post in this thread, and are only throwing out the platitudes in an attempt to appear empathetic.

The ability to be empathetic without clouding your goals.  

being empathetic i said well its ok, i am sure more then most are one step away from that these days.