Be a Landlord During the Holidays
by Tracy Lee Parker
I heard this on a national radio show this weekend and thought it was very appropriate–especially this time of year. As the holiday season rolls in, landlords experience many more late pays due to tenants spending too much during the holidays.
I had one tenant tell me they can’t pay rent until they get paid next week. In the next sentence he told me his wife bought Christmas lights for the house and wanted to know if they could string them up?!
Every year we hear the same stories at Christmas time. I would love to not charge you the late fees Mr. Tenant, but you have put me in a position that makes my Christmas season difficult, because I have an owner wanting to know where the rent is.
I am sympathetic to a point, but I put my foot down and charge the late fees. I think tenants should learn to pay the rent on time no matter the season, or there is a consequence. If I don’t charge them the late fees then they will keep being late throughout the year.
Here’s to hoping January is not full of late payments.
Tracy Lee Parker is a Property Manager and Broker/Owner with RE/MAX By the Lakes offering residential sales, short sales, land purchases, commercial sales, leasing & property management in Wylie, Texas. Let someone local manage your property.
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