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Magazine Features
Showing Mercy
by Dave Ramsey
My tenants used their money to pay necessary expenses instead of rent. How much mercy should I show?
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
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Mary-Jane in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I have to disagree with part of what you said in your response. I would put rent at the top of the list. There are usually ways to get food, and if you live in an apartment block, water is usually covered in your rent. If you live in a city where there is a low vacancy rate finding another place to live can be extremely difficult and who is going to take you if you have not paid your rent where you already are and don't have money for a deposit. Keeping a roof over your head is the most important priority I would say. Without that, where are you going to cook the food you bought, park the car you paid for or rest your weary bones at night.
Dean in Minneapolis
Their are many city, state, and federal programs that can help families in need. I have found organizations that paid my tenants utilities, leaving other funds to pay their rent. Just one option.
Martin in Arizona
Dave, I just read your answer to a queston about showing mercy to a renter ... but how far should it go? I have a renter who lives in another house I own .. it's paid off. My renter is 5 months behind ... has a sick wife, three kids ... work is scarce. I'm losing home that I live in because he can't afford the rent for the other house ... I might be able to afford to rent another home but morally, how can I make them move? Although I'm not rich, It seems like the parable of the rich man and the pauper. I just can't.
sheldon in orem, ut
I was a landlord of property in Provo, while living in the East. The renters got a divorce, leaving the wife and children at the house, without finances. She asked her Bishop for $ help, but when he found her landlord was LDS, he told her to tell me to take the rent out of my tithing. I sold the home. No need of fighting the Church. SRM
Odessa in Tennessee
Not to dispute that this incident actually happened, and I am very sorry that it happened to you and your renters, but I want to clarify the facts for anyone that might not understand. No one is authorized to tell us what to do with our tithing except the Lord, and He has told us to pay it to Him (by giving it to the church). From there the Lord decides what to do with it and tells our inspired leaders.
Beth in Utah
We have tendents who are good at paying their rent. Whenever they get in a financial bind and have a hard time paying their rent we sit down with them and make up a list of things they can do to improve the house or the yard. They had completed several projects that we would have had to hire someone to do.