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Dave Says
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| Copyright © 2009 Hendrix Media Group/Bluegrass Christian Magazine/KYfamily.com |
Showing Mercy
Dear Dave,
I have tenants who have been perfect in paying rent on time for almost a year. Last month, the woman
lost her job, and when I went to collect the rent the other day, she said she didn’t have any money. I’m
pretty sure they used part of it for a car payment and the electric bill, and I know they need these
things. Still, I’m torn over how to handle this and how much mercy to show.
Alex
Dear Alex,
You’re right, what they spent the money on were things they needed. At the same time, they probably knew
the rent was due and when it was due. Since you know about their situation, and you’re their landlord, it might
be a good idea to offer to try and formulate a plan that would help them get through this tough time.
If it were me, I’d sit down with them and make a budget and list of priorities. Food comes first, water and lights
after that, then rent, and finally the car. Get into their business a little, and find out what else is going on in
their lives. You have to be fair and firm to be a quality landlord. I’m all about helping people who need help, so
I’d be willing to cut them some slack if they’re cooperative and literally have to choose between feeding their
kids and paying me. But if they insist on misbehaving with their money or having parties on the weekend, I’d
have no problem telling them to check out and find another place to live.
The biggest thing is to treat them the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. I think most
people want to do what’s right, but you want to feel good about extending mercy when, and if, it’s appropriate.
- Dave
* Don't miss Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover LIVE! event – simulcasting at host locations throughout
the country on September 19 from Atlanta. For more information visit www.daveramsey.com.
*For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
I have tenants who have been perfect in paying rent on time for almost a year. Last month, the woman
lost her job, and when I went to collect the rent the other day, she said she didn’t have any money. I’m
pretty sure they used part of it for a car payment and the electric bill, and I know they need these
things. Still, I’m torn over how to handle this and how much mercy to show.
Alex
Dear Alex,
You’re right, what they spent the money on were things they needed. At the same time, they probably knew
the rent was due and when it was due. Since you know about their situation, and you’re their landlord, it might
be a good idea to offer to try and formulate a plan that would help them get through this tough time.
If it were me, I’d sit down with them and make a budget and list of priorities. Food comes first, water and lights
after that, then rent, and finally the car. Get into their business a little, and find out what else is going on in
their lives. You have to be fair and firm to be a quality landlord. I’m all about helping people who need help, so
I’d be willing to cut them some slack if they’re cooperative and literally have to choose between feeding their
kids and paying me. But if they insist on misbehaving with their money or having parties on the weekend, I’d
have no problem telling them to check out and find another place to live.
The biggest thing is to treat them the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed. I think most
people want to do what’s right, but you want to feel good about extending mercy when, and if, it’s appropriate.
- Dave
* Don't miss Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover LIVE! event – simulcasting at host locations throughout
the country on September 19 from Atlanta. For more information visit www.daveramsey.com.
*For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
