So how to approach friend who you are helping out....

[we can do it]

Her family was renting a place that had major issues with drains not working, and other sanitary issues. We have a home we are going to relocate into, but need a year and a half or so before job stability and last parent dying make that possible. So we offered to rent to them for 2 years for quite a bit less than we could get from strangers- we gave them 10 days free rent at first. Then they were late the next month, haven't paid the electric bill yet (she told me last Monday she was going to the bank to pay it the next day) and are 8 days late already this month.....I am beginning to feel taken advantage of.

Any suggestions how to approach this?

[Xyzse]

1. Very hard unfortunately.

I am not certain. Sometimes though it really is hard to bleed a turnip so, I am not sure.
Especially if they really are hard up on being able to pay.

I don't know enough about the situation, except that I know it is hard.

I've helped some people create a budget, but that really is hard.

I know that letting them stay there for a lot less, especially since it is a property that you plan on relocating to within two years.

You may just want to get it in writing what they owe.

Like, to make it simpler:

Here is the rent for the next two years that you are slated to be here:

Then make three or four columns

Month: Amount : Paid :: (Amount Paid or Unpaid)

That way it can be a chart showing a time frame and what needs to be paid at some point.

Also, it could probably make it a bit more flexible in a way. Especially if this property was going to remain unused for the two years they would not have been around otherwise.

Either way, good luck. I don't really know what to do with that, and what the actual situation is.

((Notice how many times I used the word "Hard))

[we can do it]

2. Thanks, was being sketchy probably didn't help.

It is hard! I felt bad for them and thought it would do some good, she told me they had 6 months rent saved up, so now I'm not sure what to think. I've sent notes for them so the kids could get healthcare assistance and everything within a couple hours of her asking, and she doesn't even call to tell me if she's having a problem.....I won't do this again.

[Phentex]

3. How well do you know them?

Cause after six years of lots and lots of stories and explanations, I am questioning how well I really know my friend's situation. It's sad and very frustrating.

In your case, I think I would go to the house and sit down with the person. Explain that you don't want to damage the friendship and you don't want to regret trying to help her out but you want to know if she intends to keep her end of the arrangement. It sounds like you aren't too far in yet (3 months or so). If she says she does, then give her one month to make good on her word. If she can't do that, the resentment will definitely build and you will have to ask her to move. I hope you have something in writing. If not, you can get it in writing when you visit.

[we can do it]

4. Great advice, non threatening and friendly. (I've know her a couple years.)

I am going to try this- I can't go over for at least a couple weeks, so I hope she's taking care of what ever the problem is now and it isn't necessary - though I might just do that anyway.

Thanks so much for the simple approach!

[blackcrowflies]

5. This is not going to end well

I was once a landlady. Never again. A bad tenant is a financial disaster and very very stressful. Cross your fingers you get them out of there without their trashing your house, let alone getting any rent. Plus there will be attorney's fees.

Who is legally responsible for the electric bill?

[we can do it]

6. It is in my name, but they are supposed t pay it.

I am going to make a trip over there next week. I am not happy.

[we can do it]

7. Update: I sent her a text saying she had hurt my feelings.

It turns out she had a tooth become abcessed, which made her sick and had to be cut out without insurance, so she had to pat upfront- her face blew up and she couldn't work for about a week total....so, she's been picking up some extra work, is paying half of everything this week, the rest within 10 days (let's hope) anyway.


I told her I understand things like that can happen to anyone- just keep me in the loop. She said she was embarrassed and thanked me for the kindness and grace....good grief!