late payment (by Tom [MI]) Jan 23, 2004 9:19 AM
        RE: late payment (by James [MA]) Jan 23, 2004 9:27 AM
        RE: late payment (by James [MA]) Jan 23, 2004 9:33 AM
        RE: late payment (by tim [ar]) Jan 23, 2004 9:58 AM
        RE: late payment (by tim [ar]) Jan 23, 2004 10:02 AM
        RE: late payment (by CAW [OR]) Jan 23, 2004 2:11 PM
        RE: late payment (by Cathy [MI]) Jan 23, 2004 2:46 PM
        RE: late payment (by cuchpa [pa]) Jan 23, 2004 10:35 PM
        RE: late payment (by Don [CA]) Jan 24, 2004 5:08 PM
        RE: late payment (by DAC [OH]) Jan 24, 2004 8:46 PM
        RE: late payment (by MIKE [IN]) Jan 25, 2004 2:34 AM
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late payment (by Tom[MI])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 9:19 AM
Message:
I have 2 tennants who have been on time for the past 6 months but they are a week late and still no money. I have a $50 late fee charge in the lease. Do I play hardball or give them a break?

This probably wouldn't be bothering me as much but my wife was talking to a DEA agent and said that one of them was busted for selling drugs to an officer. Not positive if it is him. All I have is a first name. I don't want to jump off the handle without concrete evidence. Any suggestions? --205.217.94.197



RE: late payment (by James[MA])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 9:27 AM
Message:
--192.223.226.6


RE: late payment (by James[MA])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 9:33 AM
Message:
Did they tell you they were going to be late? If not, play hardball and demand all that they owe, including late fees and legal costs.

Issue the pay or quit notice if you haven't already.

If a tenant tells me they are going to be late, I will work with them, but I make them sign the notice to pay or quit AND a statement that they are not validly withholding rent and that the unit is in good order. They also have to present a payment schedule.

As for the drugs, I don't tolerate illegal activity on my property. Get confirmation that it is him and evict. Your state may have a speeedy eviction law for drug offenders. --192.223.226.6



RE: late payment (by tim[ar])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 9:58 AM
Message:
I agree with James (MA) about if they told you. In fact they should have told you ahead of time and made sure you were both on the same page about a payment plan. If a renter stays quiet and does that they're likely to erase all my good memories.

Tell them you have to have some money even if it's partial or you're going to have to start the eviction process. Tell them you can't do for one what you won't do for another. --66.76.130.112



RE: late payment (by tim[ar])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 10:02 AM
Message:
Oh yeah, about the late fee. Although I'm sure there will a lot of boooo's on this one I would tell them if they will pay immediately you might give them a small break on the late fee "this one time". --66.76.130.112


RE: late payment (by CAW[OR])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 2:11 PM
Message:
I will occassionaly work woth a good tenant if they make arrangements in advvnace and let me know when I can expect the rent and where they are getting it from. Any tenant who just doesn't pay and thinks I won't notice, or lies to me about is going to get the boot. At the very least you should charge them late fees.

If it were me, I would be down at the police station checking to see if my tenant had been arrrrested or not. If one of mine was arrested for drugs, they would have to find a new place to live. --216.228.163.40



RE: late payment (by Cathy[MI])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 2:46 PM
Message:
OK I'm going to be the bad guy here. Send that 7 day notice....NOW. Get's their attention alright. If the rent is not there on the 2nd I send out the 7 Day Notice Demand for Possession immediately. I have a $15 per day late fee. I NEVER call or speak to a tenant in person regarding such emotionally charged issues as late rent. Only invites a confrontation. Not to mention lame excuses. NOT very professional. When you lose the professional edge you lose all credibilty. Communicate through the mail (and/or courts if necessary) ONLY. All correspondence that is not an official court document (like the 7 Day Notice) must be professionally written and very business-like.

They are adults, they KNOW when the rent is due. If they call and leave a message (I screen all business calls) saying they will pay in a week, fine. But I CONTINUE the eviction process and I tell them it can be stopped easily when they pay the rent "in a week".

BTW, regarding the drug issue......I agree with CAW. Get thee hence to the police station PRONTO to check on this one! --68.40.241.125



RE: late payment (by cuchpa[pa])
Posted on: Jan 23, 2004 10:35 PM
Message:
Money is going to be tight for your tenents

After all, defense lawyers cost money. Do what Cathy of Michigan says. EVICT --128.147.100.87



RE: late payment (by Don[CA])
Posted on: Jan 24, 2004 5:08 PM
Message:
I have no opinion regarding your question, but I can give you some good advice on how to keep dope dealers from renting from us.

I advise all prospective tenants that I videotape the "walkthrough" prior to allowing them to take possession (I also video the final "walkthrough" before they vacate, which avoids any disagreements about the condition in which the property is left). Drug dealers to not want their faces on video; therefore, they will move on to another location to rent. --67.114.228.45



RE: late payment (by DAC[OH])
Posted on: Jan 24, 2004 8:46 PM
Message:
Why evict? Did something happen to your tenants? I would call them and ask them to make arrangements to pay you, or to set up some type of repayment plan.

Be firm but fair, tell them you will accept no more late rents from them.. --208.44.221.113



RE: late payment (by MIKE[IN])
Posted on: Jan 25, 2004 2:34 AM
Message:
MY friend your rent money was spent on BAIL! Your next rent payment will be spent on their attorney. EVICT NOW! --152.163.252.193