Yucky Business

Now comes the part of the business that keeps me awake at night.

I have two tenants who did not make rent this month. Tenant 1 moved in late July and was last her first month. She never contacted me this month to tell me why I don't have her rent. I have not heard from her and do not know if she is living in the house. Her work voicemail says she is out of the office until further notice. She might have had a family emergency and left town? Whatever the case, she has either forgotten about rent or thinks it is optional.

Tenant 2 has a small family and got laid off at the end of August. He has been a good tenant and acts as a handyman for me. I know his situation is short-term and with time he can get back on his feet.

Welcome to the Federal Fair Housing laws. I can't grant a reprieve for tenant 2--whom I think is in a temporary situation--without granting a reprieve for tenant 1. I know I can argue the logic of both are stealing from me and taking money from my family. I know they both owe the money. Because of Fair Housing, both got a summons on Friday. Because of Fair Housing, I have to evict both of them. Even if I think tenant 2 can make it up to me.

I know very little about tenant 1. She might be the most responsible person East of the Mississippi. But, she hasn't communicated anything to me. Tenant 2 could be pulling the wool over my eyes and has me duped. He has done a great job if that is the case.

I have been praying for both families. Maybe I will have checks from both tomorrow. I hope so. I hate evicting. I am sure I will hate having extra mortgage payments two months from now if I were to do nothing. Not to mention, I am not sure how I could convince my partner to start a charity.