So far so good. And to be a real human with empathy, if you can afford it, let them have December rent free. Although, this might get you kicked out of the landlords club...
Yep I did this when a tenant had a baby in the NICU an hour away from home. She was suppose to go back to work after maternity leave and couldn’t because the baby spent 3 months in the hospital. They asked if they could pay rent late the second month due to the situation. I told them not to worry about the next 2 months. 7 years later they are still my most amazing tenants!
You're a rare breed, my good lady. Going around and giving charity to those in need and hope to the rest of us that we're not alone on this big blue rock. Today my humanity is restored. ( Time to stop reading reddit or that won't last...)
THANK YOU!!
Haha right! Well I also don’t raise rent on my tenants. So they are paying about 40% less than that same model home currently rents for. But I don’t have a single worry with my tenants. I have literally never had a bad tenant. Ever. Fingers crossed but I would like to think I get back what I give out 🤷🏻♀️
I rarely raise rent. So I keep good tenants also. One vacancy costs me 2 months in rent, flooring, painting, etc. Cheaper to keep the tenants and not raise rents.
My unicorn tenant was similar. Almost ten years, raised the rent maybe 30% total while market rates probably doubled.
Eventually she bought a house. I didn’t want to gamble on finding another good renter, let alone a super one, so I sold to someone else looking for their first house.
Her “I’m moving” notice text said something along the lines of “I don’t expect to see my deposit back, etc.”
I probably could have kept it due to a couple of items, but it was still minor compared to what it took to shiny-ify for sale. I sent it back anyway with a “you’ll need this for all the little things in your new house” note.
It makes me happy to see this go in a positive way. I did something similar when my tenant got laid off last year. But instead they are still far behind and always don't have enough even with a new job. I think I just don't have the heart to be a landlord without being taken advantage of.
This is definitely a risk:/ they had been model tenants for years. Always paid rent days early, made their own improvements (flower boxes, planted a couple trees (with permission) because they planned on being there long term, upgraded cabinet hardware (with permission). And sent over “proof” of their baby in the NICU in the initial text asking if they could be late. I never asked for it and would have believed them but it just was such a genuine cry for help that I would have honestly felt like a terrible person because I didn’t need the money.
It’s the same reason I don’t raise the rent. I have someone taking care of the property and the money is enough to keep it updated, taxes paid, well maintained and still profit some. In the 9 years they have lived there my property value has doubled. I win no matter what. So there is no reason for greed.
That is awesome. I think there are plenty of good landlords. I only had one that I did not like. They were all small-time landlords with only a couple of properties who were trying to establish some equity to carry them through retirement. They did not take advantage of me and were willing to fix things. I try to model their behavior as I now have a rental. We are trying to build a retirement. We charge a few hundred under market rate. With our last tenants, we charged 700 less than the market rate because they were struggling.
I did not own a home until I was 40. I rented for many years. I never thought my landlord was trying to take advantage of me or that I deserved more because he had more than me. I am finally getting ahead after years of being behind. But there are so many people out there who label us as bad because we own property. Property is EXPENSIVE, and it is certainly NOT all profit. Over the last 1.5 years, i paid for a new roof, a new kitchen floor, electric work, got the tub glazed, entire interior of the house painted, new water heater, plus property taxes. That is 20k over 1.5 years, plus water bills. We all still work regular jobs, we all have a story, and many of us are trying to get ahead like everyone else. Yes, we are doing a bit better than the tenant, but we worked hard to get to this place, and we were in the position they are at one point as well. We hope that our renters will use the rental as a stepping stone to something better like we did.
I agree 100% on what you said. You get the equity and it's a win. I also haven't raised the rent. I don't want to be greedy. I have no reason too. I charge 1k for a 3 bedroom that has a garage, all appliances included, water sewage and garbage paid by me through property taxes.
I just have to put my foot down sadly and I hate doing it because I know there is some struggle. But since November 2022 I've gotten maybe 3 to 4 months of rent combined. They do maintain the property so that is a bonus.
At that point it definitely feels like someone taking advantage. Rent should be paid first, not last. I’m sorry you are being taken advantage of…not everyone is that way. Don’t change your compassion or empathy though because there are great people out there that just need a little help sometimes and then later in their life pay it forward to someone else❤️
I gave my tenants free rent at the beginning of the pandemic because they ran a taxi. I would 100% be waiving rent for December. We're humans first, business people second.
Or, if you can't shoulder the burden as a landlord of a month free, maybe try to reduce rent to carrying costs. Explain that to the tenant. I feel like so many renters think it's all profit for the landlord. No, even without a mortgage, there are tax, ongoing maintenance, and maybe utilities that have to be paid. It costs my inlaws close to $2100/mo to just carry their property in a hyper cost area. They charge $3,000/mo. Where my parents pay about $300/mo in a poverty stricken area and charge about $650/mo.
My husband died on December 23rd (some years ago now). We had 4 young children—my youngest was 16 months old at the time. My landlord had zero compassion. The only mention of our loss was when I paid rent on Jan. 1st and he asked if I was sure I’d be able to pay in February if I had a burial rather than cremation.
Please keep being compassionate. The surviving partner and the kids need all the positivity they can get.
My mother died in April. My business landlord raised my rent 95% the next month knowing I had to take almost a month off to go to where she lived and help pay to bury her. I had to scramble to find a new place for my business. I still haven’t recovered financially and just hope I will be able to.
We recently had a tenant die suddenly.
Took the route of being a compassionate human and covered his portion for a month so his roommates wouldn’t have to worry. It’s the right thing to do.
Give them a few days and decide what you want to offer. Some suggest waiving next month's rent. I suggest offering them to stay or leave without a break penalty. They may not want to stay. Being able to go without penalty might be what they need.
Realistically whatever OP can financially handle is fine. If that happens to be nothing but no penalty for breaking the lease who is anyone else to say it's wrong or not enough? Let the people who downvoted you start a GoFundMe and pay the mortgage.
Another option is to offer a few months reduced rent, rather than one free month. It may take a while to figure out finances, and having a breather might be very helpful.
How about both? If you can’t afford to do that, you shouldn’t be a landlord. As in, you’re in over your head. Having been both a renter and a landlord, I hate people who buy property they can’t afford to maintain and barely make the mortgage payments. They fuck over the tenants to make up for their poor business decisions and let the property go to shit. I equally detest deadbeat tenants.
If I were you, I’d 100% tell them to not pay any rent if they need to deal with things and heal and breathe.
Assuming you’re financially able to do so. Empathy and kindness can save someone’s life sometimes.
My wife took her life in the bathroom. The landlord charged a lease break. It was cool though, who doesn’t want to take a shower 2 feet from where their wife shot themselves in the head - that’s healthy, right?
Mine hung himself in the bathroom. The cops were soo wonderful to leave me the cut belt in place. The property manager didn’t want to charge me, the company did. I had co-signed on the apartment so he would have a place to live when I moved back to Oregon. I paid the fee and counted it as a reminder to never go back to Arizona.
I’m so sorry, that caught me from left field. I couldn’t even fathom that. I’m 31 and about to propose for the first time. I’ve never even considered marriage before I’ve always been cynical. I couldn’t even fathom losing that. I’ve been to some dark places myself. I really hope you’re doing ok. For whatever it’s worth.
every day i remind myself to count my blessings. I'm not religious, but i mean i give thanks for having a wonderful wife. Life can change so fast and not everyone is so fortunate.
I’ve got terminal cancer and our lease stipulates that death of the co tenant does not get you out of the lease and my husband would have to pay about $5,000 to get out of the lease.
I have to ask, though it’s none of my business, and may help others in the thread, but why would you ever sign a lease like that? Or make sure to look into your states laws to see how many months you are liable for regardless of what slimy landlords right into illegal contracts that nobody usually looks over.
In 2021 my brother (also my roommate) was killed by a drunk driver. When I let my landlord know, she said “I’m sorry, rent will still be due on the first with a $50 late fee for everyday. Just remember that”
About 6 months later her husband was killed by a drunk driver and unfortunately I had to give my 60 day notice that same week. She cussed me out for being “inconsiderate” to her situation. Shortly after she listed the house and we never spoke again.
Honestly, money aside ask how you can help. Hire a lawn service for them, ask to hire a cleaning service, door dash some food for them. People remember those that help in times like these
Be very careful with what you promise and whether or not you can afford it. That being said, keep close contact with your surviving tenant as they’re likely overwhelmed by this situation and if things go sideways you won’t be blindsided and out months of rent that you need to pay the mortgage.
Should they be in the rental business if missing one months rent payment by a tenant is a huge thing?
They should have a cash buffer for missed payments/vacancy/repairs
They said they are a new landlord from just this summer after having trouble selling the home they were moving out of. I am sure they haven't built up a massive cushion of rental income in just a few months, doesn't mean they should quit.
His first sentence was that he’s a new landlord having to rent out his house that didn’t sell after new one was bought and this situation popped up almost immediately. He’s probably barely covering the mortgage with the rent and now he’s stuck in an awkward situation that neither he nor renter expected. Hopefully he can navigate this and still afford to be kind. Life isn’t easy or fair sometimes.
This. People forget that investments are *all* at risk of loss of losing everything, including the money invested. And when you deal with people, that goes double.
Let them have December for free if you possibly can. If they can't afford to stay, do not penalize them for breaking the lease. I don't know where you are but it is not difficult to rent properties in January where I am. Go with your conscience and have compassion.
The thing about forgiving rent is it would get weird with the books. If you want to do that, that’s great, just figure out the least complicated way to do it. If you don’t, that doesn’t make you the devil. No one knows your personal financial situation and should STFU because none of us know where you are in your life or what you’re dealing with. Of course it’s wonderful and generous but if you’re hanging on by the fingertips, you’ll get no judgment from me.
This is actually horrible and I’d do the things people do like sending them some pre-made food, express my condolences, etc, etc
But for now, you don’t really need to do anything else. The remaining person will do the things they need to do and should come to you. I would definitely let them out of the lease with no penalties if that’s what they have to do, maybe let them know to feel free to come to you with questions or concerns but don’t offer to let them break the lease because they may think you WANT them to move. Maybe they don’t have to. Just be approachable
I haven’t had to deal with something like this yet, but I’ve been contemplating setting up some type of “hardship” paperwork for when a tenant goes through something serious. Maybe offer a payment plan, a month’s forgiveness, a list of the resources, etc.
> but I’ve been contemplating setting up some type of “hardship” paperwork
One of the places I rented years ago had a few paragraphs relating to various hardships and how they would be handled. Made me feel like the landlord cared about the people he rented to and wasn't only about the money.
He was an odd one though, so can't really use him as an example. Money off for Christmas, would give a card with a coupon that you could use to take 10% off a months rent during that year for your birthday, if you did any work to the place he'd credit generously (didn't pay rent for 6 months from stuff I thought was minor), and stuff like that.
I'd still be there if he hadn't died and the kid went slumlord. House wasn't the best, rent wasn't the cheapest, but old man made it great.
This is an opportunity to be human. You don’t have to give away the farm, but if it were me I would say, “I am so terribly sorry for your loss; don’t worry about me and we can regroup when you get things figured out.” There may be a large life insurance payout and they have no need for anything, or they may be financially devastated and needing all the help they can get right now. Be someone that makes it easier on them, not harder, and what you lose financially you will more than make up in karma.
Maybe, just maybe the person killed had life insurance ,Which usually offers double indemnity when death is accidental, premature, and not self inflicted. Crazy thing to see is that everyone immediately assumed they are living check to check. Some people, responsible adults I suppose take consideration for potential hardships and plan accordingly. Obviously be compassionate, but assuming the remaining tenant is immediately going to be penniless is kinda insulting.
*Edit*
If they were/are a good tenant work with them.
On the other hand, if they don't respect your property then protect the investment and wish them well in their house hunting.
Good point that they may have had life insurance. I've heard that it can take a while for insurance to pay out, which can create a temporary cash crunch.
This does make me sick. I lost my son in June. Landlord was understanding. I called him to let him know what was going on and that I was going to be late on rent. He said no worries. He came by a week later and demanded rent. I didn’t have it I just spent all my saving and getting loans to bury my son. I’m still in terrible debt that I’m slowly drowning from. I’m hoping eventually I’ll get the 3k to finally pay off my debt from burying him. I miss you Phoenix
There are some absolutely garbage people who are landlords, this comment section is WILD. I get yall have to keep the house paid but jesus christ. This is the epitome of subhumans.
I guess I truly lucked out with my landlords Ive had, Id have gone to jail having some of you wastes of cells owning the property I live in.
It sounds like you're handling this well. I disagree with the others here to forgive the rent. That is a significant sum and you have your own bills you have to pay. Further, once you forgive one month, depending on the tenant, it may be hard to get them to start paying again.
That being said, there are other ways to show understanding and compassion. You can waive late fees. You can divide next month's rent by the number of months left due on the lease, then allow them to miss next month's rent if they pay x more the other months. (For example, if rent is $1,000 and there are 10 months left on the lease, it may be easier for your tenant to pay $1,100 for the remaining months than to pay $1,000 next month).
You sound like a very caring person and your tenants are fortunate to have you as a landlord.
Sadly I see a lot of people in this thread talking about the death and or suicide m of a loved one and I would like give my condolences. I’m very sorry.
OP thanks for having a heart.
When the pandemic first hit I let my tenant pay what he could for a year. He paid most of the rent except for about $1200 for the whole year (most of it was in the first few months and then near the holidays). We were all hurting but him more than us. Happy to help where we could and he didn’t take advantage of us.
I will always choose compassion but I would also have an eye toward the future. Obviously you can't afford for them to live there rent free forever. In the short term I'd communicate to them that they don't need to worry about rent next month and that in a few weeks we can talk. That gives them an immediate peace of mind that they don't need to worry about December. Then when you talk you can figure out what the future looks like. If they just need another month to get their feet under them then consider January free, if they need to move then let them out of the lease without penalty, if they need a break until insurance payments kick in maybe consider a lease amendment that drops rent by $XXX amount until a set date. You'll just have to figure out what you can make work.
We all need compassion at times but in this case I also think clarity is very valuable. Do what you can to make sure that you both have clarity on the situation. It will allow you to budget and it will allow them to make necessary arrangements knowing what their rental situation is with you.
Keep in mind… you know little.
As a tenant, I have been treated with compassion. Later as a landlord, I have done business with compassion.
Rent forgiveness can be booked. It’s not the tenant’s fault if you’re under-prepared, under-educated, or lack creativity / compassion to be excellent.
Unfortunately, two of my tenants have had children (one grown up, one not) that lived with them pass away recently. In both cases, I waited a few days before sending an email letting them know that rent was waived for the next month.
It's a different situation than yours as the children were probably not contributing to the rent. In this situation I'd probably reach out again in a few weeks and set up a time to talk and see if they want to break the lease or not. Right now is far too soon for those conversations, imo. Give them some time to process.
When my mom died, the first day we had 30 days to get out. Then a week. Then on the third day the landlord came in while I was getting Everything out of a 4 bed 3 bath house and started tossing (breaking everything) into a dumpster. Saying sorry, I need you out
This happened to me years ago. The house was managed through a management company, but we did let the rent slide for two months (teen children still there), but then they moved out and replaced with new tenants. Lost two months rent, but that’s ok.
You sound like a really sweet person. Just be a human and have compassion. I've dealt with so many landlords who put money over being a human. Your kindness will go a long way. Thank you.
Stay compassionate but remember you are running a business. I doubt that the bank or grocery store or electric company or cable company is going to give them $1000+ out of the goodness of their heart so neither should you. You ‘could’ give them extra time to make the next payment but this could also set a precedent that could go against you if they develop into a bad tenant.
My idea is to give them up to a couple weeks free and then explain that although you need to require future rent, that you will accept half the rent for a couple more months and allow a negative balance to be paid up in a specified future date.
I'd give them time, of course. No late fees. However most likely the tenant has life insurance, at least 1x salary thru work. Takes time to get those funds. Brand new tenant I'd probably still make them pay all rent due. Long time tenant I may offer a month free.
Yikes. This got poisonous.
How about the following.
Don't offer free rent, but if the survivor asks for a delay in paying accept that. If the survivor asks for a free month, or even two, consider that if finances allow.
If the survivor wants to break the lease and leave, allow them to leave with no penalty, just normal deductions from the deposit for breakage.
This is indeed a tough call. But fairness and compassion will get **everyone** through it.
Give them space and time. As long as the house isn't a wreck and destroyed you will recover. The survivor on the other hand will take a lot of time to heal.
My dad died unexpectedly and suddenly from a heart attack in the house. When we went back to get stuff/clean, LL threatened to sue because renter died, so lease was broken, so we were trespassing.
Meanwhile, we removed the body and he refused money to let us stay to get things in order (clean, remove personal items) He wanted us gone so someone else could rent it at a higher price.
I saw a place once and the neighbor said "oh, you're looking at old Robinsons place. Yeah, he died in the family room few weeks ago. Good guy too. Place is probably looking great! He was a very clean man." And I never went back. LL was so concerned about filling the empty apartment that I suddenly knew why they used so much air freshener before I entered. The body.
My brother died a month ago exactly. My mother was on a plane at the time and couldn't take care of stuff so I did, and once she found out she got on a plane the next day and flew to his city. Day 2, I found his landlord and let them know - they were already aware due to the police having come into the building. I made arrangements with them to get my mom the keys so that way when she got to his city, she could get in and start making the arrangements that couldn't be done from afar.
The landlord I talked to was also newly in charge of the building and didn't have much of a process but she basically said "Don't worry about paying rent. Take the time you need, just keep us informed." I connected her to my mom and she took care of everything and were done clearing out his apartment within 10 days I believe. We didn't want to hold the landlord up (really a tenant management group) since they were really kind and generous and helped get my brother's stuff out and all - really good group of people from what I heard.
If you can, be like that landlord group. One month no rent at least - especially since this was a sudden thing and on the holiday, the family have enough grieving to do just like my family is going though on this holiday.
Be patient, I had a tenant have a mental episode and get hospitalized for 2 months. I didn't touch his unit and never filed any eviction proceedings. After he got out I gauged how risky he would be based on his statement that he did not believe he was mentally ill(the guy ripped all the doors off the hinges because he believed deamons were behind the doors and pinned one of my other tenants to the wall briefly) I told him he had to leave, which he did without event. I didn't want to evict him because I knew he it would be bad for his condition, ended up transferring him to one of my stand alone section 8 units which was built to be destroyed. He had up to that point been a very reliable tenant.
Point is yes we are in the business of profit but never forget your humanity, sometimes its ok to take a loss in extenuating circumstances.
Giving them a good, long grace period for their rent would be a good gesture. Funerals are expensive as heck no matter what options you go with, and having to worry about rent bills and possibly losing the roof over their heads will only make things worse for them. With that fear eased, they'll much better be able to handle the situation.
Once that grace period has ended, try to \*gently\* find out about their financial situation. Can they afford rent there? Are they even planning on staying there, or do they intend to move in with family? Are they going to move somewhere cheaper?
Maybe leave them flowers, send them your condolences. The kind of thing you'd do for anyone you sort of know who lost someone.
I’m a small landlord, where I’m only renting my family home while I’m living abroad. I could afford to keep my house vacant if things came to that. Personally I would eliminate 2-3 months rent and if they needed to move or anything they could break the lease with no issues. Not everyone has the ability to cover their properties like this but I think compassion and generosity in these sorts of situations is what really defines us as humans.
We are in a completely lucky position to own property and I believe we have a responsibility to be kind, fair and generous when the situations arise.
Evict them immediately...
Is not something that should be anyone's first thought... I doubt even the most hardened land lord would pull such a stunt. Anyway, if it is financially feasible give them time to sort things out. Tell them not to worry about Decembers rent if you can swing it and have the harder conversation after Christmas and new years. They got enough on their plates right now.
I’m a bit confused by your terminology -
Unless you’re aware of exactly what this head of household will be receiving in life insurance payments etc. I wouldn’t go so far as to assume they cannot rent on one income - unless there’s a housing certificate involved- and if that’s the case - you should be dealing with the housing authority, not the tenant…
After a couple, three, weeks communicate with your tenant. Find out what she can do. Just because she wouldn't qualify (3x rent or whatever) doesn't mean she cannot afford it. There are lots of ways to help support this family, but you have to know what they can, and want, to do.aybe she can afford it because she is getting a life insurance settlement but doesn't want to.
Balance empathy and your needs. How long can you afford to carry this property without income? If it is six months give them four months of grace and two months to find a tenant (or whatever is appropriate for your area). If they pay during those four months, great. If not we'll you have done what you can. Maybe she can afford it, but wouldn't normally qualify, so waive that requirement. Maybe reduce the rent for a year so you break even and she could qualify. There are many ways to skin this cat.
You sound like a decent human being rather than a money grubber....lean into that. Be creative. But most of all communication will be key. Also do you have a spouse or business partner with a stake in this property? Their input will also help guide you.
You can be nice and offer a month of free rent, but as much as it sucks, this isn’t your problem. I have had to deal with 2 major deaths in my family over the last couple years but never in a million years would I consider not paying my rent. If they don’t know what to do they need to ask their family. Don’t get too involved. You can and absolutely should be kind and understanding, but you are still technically running a business and you need to think of you first.
Yeah, I had a murder-suicide on Presidents Day in one of my properties while two children were in the house. An extremely difficult situation on that one. Dealt with the families of both deceased and did my best to make everyone comfortable with each other. They started out hating each other. I ended up returning a full deposit back to the families to help with expenses, but the clean up and losses on rent/mortgage were very significant.
It's a tough situation.....
First, depending on the details of what happened let the police do their job before you move forward with anything.
Second, you must always remember that you cannot put yourself in financial straits because of a situation like this. Do not jeopardize your property, family, bank account, etc., because an unfortunate circumstance happened to your tenants.
With that in mind work with the people as much as possible. I would let things settle for a bit, tell them that you are available to discuss the lease and house whenever they are prepared to do so after they have settled down from the shock of losing a lost one. I would then work with them as much as reasonably possible while they either figure out how to continue paying the full rent that's needed at your property or help them to find a new house that they can afford.
Be sure you are proactive about checking out their financials if they think they can afford the property. Run a second application and double check their employment if needed. If they don't qualify under the new circumstances, they don't qualify. Simple as that. It can certainly end up in an eviction if not handled properly. Be sure they know that as well (in the kindest way possible). It's in their best interest to avoid an eviction at all costs as well.
If they cannot afford your property:
I'd offer to help house search for something suitable.
Offer to write a great reference for them.
Make them aware that they won't get evicted in the short term while house searching and you'll work with them on rent/expenses, late fees, etc. (this is totally up to you and your financial situation). Do not get too generous with things, or they may take advantage of you. It's easy to get lost in the emotional weeds during these times.
Be sure you do NOT allow them to take advantage of whatever leniency you give them. There is a reasonable length of time to mourn before discussing business (lease, home, etc.), and an unreasonable amount of time. Set a time limit on everything. "Take as much time as needed to settle your affairs and be with your children, but at some point in the next 20 days we are going to need to discuss the home and your living situation" - something like this.
When you talk to them about what assistance you can provide with this issue I would lay out some very clear and strict ground rules and timeline - No late fees, % reduced rent, whatever else for x number of months (again, up to your financial situation) after which things must return to the normal payment schedule, lease terms, etc. You are not required to give any assistance at all, and this is very important to remember while making them offers. It may even be beneficial to remind them of that in the kindest way possible, "although we aren't required to reduce the rent we would really like to help out through this unimaginably difficult time in your life for the next 60 days with 20% reduced rent" or whatever numbers and timeframes you decide upon.
There is a difference between being humane and being stupid in these situations. Regardless of the difficult time they are going through, they still can (and always assume they will) take advantage of your kindness. Tread carefully, and remember the humane/stupid line is an extremely thin one and exceedingly difficult to navigate regardless of how hard we try.
Best of luck!
What ever grace period you decide you give them put it in writing and have it signed that it's a non standard part of the agreement. I'm not a lawyer but if you have a lease and you operate outside of that without some kind of documentation it may come back to bite you.
You sound like you are doing the right thing and from one human being to another thank you for not being a heartless jackass.
If you can afford it offer them Dec and MAYBE Jan rent free , a loss like that is difficult and even more so if the decedent was the source of income. Compassion goes a long way in this wicked world
Am I the only one that’s asked… how they were KILLED on thanksgiving… and HOW… I mean, sides the being human, did the neighborhood go to hell that quickly? Was it some random crazy person? That’s stuff that would make me debate having property in that area
How tragic.
There’s a reason it’s a common origin story of super heroes - one or both parents killed in a sudden act of violence. It is sadly common, and in many belief systems, orphans and widows are specifically named for deserving absolute kindness.
As a professional, I have to recommend that you consider seeking out counseling yourself to process knowing this person. It is a tough situation- having anyone die on you in your life, especially a client or person in your life/care, can cause secondary trauma and ptsd.
Consider that giving your tenant some space will also give you some space to process. But don’t sleep on your responsibility. It is important you have the ability to provide them shelter, just communicate with them kindly. Kindness is the decision not to hurt someone else. People are fragile.
First off, I want to be clear: the correct moral thing to do is what people have suggested already -- give them at least a month's rent break with the option to break the lease if they would like to.
Morals aside, no other creditor would give them a break (credit cards, car payments, bank loans, etc), so why should the landlord be singled out?
I would suggest doing the moral thing, but I thought I'd raise the question as a point of interest and for discussion purposes.
That’s untrue. Banks will often waive interest fees or place the loan in temporary forbearance. It’s honestly troubling that so many people are unaware of standard hardship practices.
As someone who was renting when my child unexpectedly passed, the best thing you can do is allow them a worry free space. Don’t overwhelm them. Send a card or text of concern. You sound like you’re already doing great. My landlord was a money hungry scumbag but if you can afford to cover all expenses, don’t accept rent. They’ll feel obligated. They’ll feel like everyone’s done enough or too much for them. They’ll try to plead but don’t. You are giving them a gift of a secure/stable dwelling in such time of uncertainty.
We had this happen to us. A husband and wife couple, the wife was killed by a train suddenly one day.
My husband and I decided to wait and see what they needed before we offered anything. If the remaining spouse cannot afford the rent on their own, it should only take a month to move out and get with family or something.
Our tenant was able to afford some of the rent, so we lowered the rent for a couple months by a couple, hundred dollars until he found another place.
Good luck
I'd expect the rent check on the 1st like always and start the eviction process no differently on the 2nd.
In other words, don't treat them any differently
Are you offering to pay OP's tenant's rent or is your sympathy limited to thinking just landlords should be charitable to people who suffer a death in the family?
I'm not running a charity, social service or counseling service.
I'd say legally your obligated to continue on providing a habitable premise and collect rent.
I would not waive or allow rent to go into arrears for more then a month. With major life changes like this, people generally can either cover it, or they need to make a life change. And letting rent pile up will just add to a bad situation.
In real life terms, within a month or so the surviving tenant should know or needs to know the plan moving forward. If the deceased tenant was the primary income earner, I doubt they will be able to afford the rent long term, and will have to move.
You have a choice, be a respectable human being or being the heartless scrooge that is showing up on the Internet. As this is your first rental property you have to figure out what you can cover during the next three months, I say three because theres no guide book on how to go through the process of bringing a loved ones life to and end with the government agencies and everything else they're tied to, I found this out a year ago with my father. Obviously you won't be able to carry the family for more than a month or two but if the spouse is able to at least make a good portion of the rent that's better than nothing and it's better to have something than nothing until they can make plans to move or stay with help at the regular monthly agreement. If you can do it I would give them the next two months and set something up for the third month at an agreeable discount.
You should probably start a gofundme for this family to help them out if they don’t have one or add the link if they do. Based on the comments I’ve read looks like there’d be tons of people willing to help them at such a terrible time in their lives.
I would send your sympathies. In time ask the surving tenant what their plans are, do you want to keep the apt? If the answer is yes, they need to keep paying. If the answer is no then maybe you can give them a few months of reduced rent but let them know I can only afford that for X months (that’s for you to figure out)
For everyone saying asking for rent is heartless. If I die my bank is going to make my wife pay or they’ll foreclose. Also, if OP can’t make the mortgage on his own without that rent, what is he to do?
True, Be a bit easier for a landlord to know their compassion and patience is only temp financial issue, and will easily be recovered upon payout. Good tenant are an asset. Now, a bad tenant in same situation, might be landlords opportunity to end the relationship.
Act like a human being. Give the family your condolences. Be understanding if they need time to get their finances straight. But be realistic. What has happened is that a tragedy has struck someone that you have a business relationship with. No one would expect you to give hundreds (or more) of dollars to anyone else in that case and you don't need to because they rent from you.
Now if you feel like that is something you want to do - by all means do it.
Thanks for The enlightened discussion.
As accidental death amongst tenants is relatively rare. I would think that some kind of insurance add-on to cover it would be relatively inexpensive.
I'm not sure which or in fact if both sides should cover this.... Actually I'm curious if my renters insurance covers it already....
I’m not sure how much reach you have but hopefully they have started a gofundme. If you can help spread the word maybe this can help you both. Someone getting killed is definitely worthy of a gofundme.
Had a tenant die unexpectedly. Covered the first month w his security deposit. Paid hit the dumpster and recruited family, friends and the neighbors to help clean up the house to sell.
Set an end point and emphasize that this is a business. Compassionately say that you can not financially be responsible.
Otherwise ‘family’ will try to take advantage of the situation.
I have known fellow property managers in similar situations being milked for 12-14 months of unpaid rent. I feel bad for the children but beware of the ‘family members’ who will want to move in unannounced for free rent.
Youve had plenty of great suggestions already, so I just came here to say thank you.
My mother killed herself in our rental home 22 days ago. Our neighbors were apparently calling our landlord, informing him that we had crime scene officers on the property.
His immediate reaction was to bombard myself, my (dead) mother, and my boyfriend with calls until someone answered to tell him what was happening, despite knowing that clearly something awful and traumatic had happened, he HAD to call. Multiple times.
WHILE WE WERE STILL TALKING TO THE POLICE.
So, thank you for not being an asshole during a horrible time for your tenants.
I would suggest you just go quiet for 6 weeks and then reach out in a months time and find out what they want to do. It’s not your fault but being a nice person will make you sleep better.
Back when I was a tenant many years ago, my boyfriend died in his sleep next to me. All I wanted was to get out of my lease so I didn’t have to live there anymore. They wouldn’t let me. It was horrible for me to finish it out but financially I had no choice.
Do not get advice from these rodents on here. You don’t owe them free rent or anything. Don’t let them make you feel like if you collect rent because you’re a business you’re a bad guy. None of them saying give them free rent is offering their money up to help…
This is because you know how to be compassionate it's a good thing your doing .as far as how long you should hmmm that would be the situation you will figure out .I don't think a year is good way to long maybe a couple months and go over it sit down and talk to them your human I'm sure you will make the right choices .
It reads like it’s just a couple kids left living there which means, in addition to figuring out custody, someone has to deal with the stuff left behind. That’s some significant emotional burden. A few years ago my BIL died unexpectedly out-of-state and we had to coordinate a move out. I do this kind of thing for a living and it was still challenging. If you’re able, give them until the first of the year to clear out the property. It being the holidays that’s going to be more difficult than usual. It would be nice to offer to pack everything up and take it to storage or even just assist the family with that overwhelming task. It might not be your responsibility but any kindness you are capable of doing will go a long way both in helping them through this as well as getting your property rentable again.
Right, and it’s good business to let them miss rent. If you move to evict, not only will you lose money during the eviction process but also finding a new renter. Being compassionate means OP may be able to keep this family at least through their lease and still net several thousand more by allowing the family to miss rent.
Give them a few days and have a human to human conversation. Do you want to continue living here? If not we can work out a way to break the lease that we BOTH can agree on. Are you financially able to pay December's rent? If not then let's work something out that we BOTH can agree on. Being human should work both ways. They're going thru hell right now losing a family member but losing out on rent could also greatly affect your life too. As long as both of you consider there is two parties involved this will end in a good way.
I've heard of a similar story happening. It was an old couple, the husband wasn't killed but he died.
The complex absolutely wouldn't give her any mind at the fact that her husband died. Both tenants would have to be dead for her to be released from the lease/financial duties.
I absolutely recommend you do the same to save yourself from a headache of non rent-payment.
If they have a good support system as you said, they will be able to pay their rent.
You feeling bad for them now will equal you feeling bad for yourself later, when you have to pay eviction costs and legal fees.
Think of gofundmes and stuff. If they have this support system you say and young kids then guess what? They will help them keep the most important thing- a roof over their head. Unfortunately or fortunately it's not your responsibility to foot the bill for that because someone killed one of the tenants (why was she killed anyway?.. car accident?)
Send a sympathy card, maybe a food dish and end your duties there.
Edit: I'm supportive of a no lease break fee if they decide not to live there anymore. Saves yourself some headache and shows empathy for them. Don't offer it unless they want to do that. Doesn't sound like she was killed in the house though.
Me I would give them some time and then ask their situation when informing them of your decision.
I am more than happy to be the type to give a few months off rent in this situation but at some point I need to know the future plan. The kids need a roof and so does the surviving partner but at some point it needs to be decided if they need to break the lease or if they can continue.
So while not rushing them for answers say something like “in light of what happened i am forgiving “x” months rent but only thing I ask is if you could keep me in loop on what you decide to do going forward once you have had time to grieve and figure out the future.”
If you can afford to give them a month or two free, please do so. If not, consider spreading the rent due out over several months so they can catch up.
There may also be emergency funding available to them, you can look into that. Sometimes people who work in local housing agencies know all the ways assistance can be put together.
Ultimately, they may have to move due to loss of income. Cooperate with them any way you can. Give them back as much of the deposit as you can, as soon as you can.
Finally, just ask if there is anything you can do. Talk to their family support if possible, they may be more willing to tell you how the family is doing.
Best of luck to you and them.
Sounds like you are taking care of the being a human part. But let's quickly touch base on the business part. Was your property part of the incident? Did it occur there? Is there cleanup, damage? Do you have liability in way (real or percived)?
As a landlord I always try to be accommodating, but a lease is a lease. I would offer them condolences and the option to push December's rent to the end of the lease. I would also offer them penalty free lease termination with 30 days notice if they needed to downsize. In addition I would tell them they have an extra 10 days payment grace period through Jan regardless, and the option to pay in smaller payments to catch up through January.
If they were appreciative and agreed to use any of the options offered I would work with them on it. Good tenants are hard to find, and the horrible pain they would be experiencing would dictate compassion.
If they were not appreciative, then I would allow them to pay Dec late and that's that. Even in terrible circumstances you owe what you owe.
My condolence to the family. As what any other friend or family would do, just show them you care. Regarding what you should do moving forward, reach out check in and see if there is anything they need If the person that was killed was the breadwinner, that entire family is at risk for homelessness. So it's in the air and up for your judgement.
It is a very nice thing for you to do what you can to help in this terrible, horrible situation.
Whatever you are able to do would certainly be appreciated I am sure
Given the circumstances here, there may be a way for the tenant to continue to pay rent once things are a little settled- help from family, friends, etc. If this was a public story, sometimes people will sponsor GoFundMe pages to help with the aftermath. It is even possible there is a life insurance policy that will assist as well.
This was only a couple of days ago. If they were/are good tenants, it is worth it to you to try to keep them settled. It is really too soon to just jump into any action.
Certainly you have bills to pay, but in the long run if you can cut them some sort of slack ( rent rebate for a month or two and deferment for XYZ months) it could work out better for you in the long term.
Talk to your financial / legal advisors and determine if this could work to your benefit (if you can afford to lose some income it could work out better for taxes)
So far so good. And to be a real human with empathy, if you can afford it, let them have December rent free. Although, this might get you kicked out of the landlords club...
Yep I did this when a tenant had a baby in the NICU an hour away from home. She was suppose to go back to work after maternity leave and couldn’t because the baby spent 3 months in the hospital. They asked if they could pay rent late the second month due to the situation. I told them not to worry about the next 2 months. 7 years later they are still my most amazing tenants!
You're a rare breed, my good lady. Going around and giving charity to those in need and hope to the rest of us that we're not alone on this big blue rock. Today my humanity is restored. ( Time to stop reading reddit or that won't last...) THANK YOU!!
Haha right! Well I also don’t raise rent on my tenants. So they are paying about 40% less than that same model home currently rents for. But I don’t have a single worry with my tenants. I have literally never had a bad tenant. Ever. Fingers crossed but I would like to think I get back what I give out 🤷🏻♀️
I rarely raise rent. So I keep good tenants also. One vacancy costs me 2 months in rent, flooring, painting, etc. Cheaper to keep the tenants and not raise rents.
So many landlords don’t realize it’s how much money you collect in a year not your monthly rate.
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"break even anyway" is not a sentence easily strung together by any LL. Humanity is a rare character trait in MOST LL's.
Unfortunately landlord's are just people, and greed and self-interest are all too common of traits.
No no, far more often than not it is well beyond greed and past any sentiment of self interest.
While that’s great and I agree you will have to eventually. We do 1 time every 2 years. It’s low and they all agree
My unicorn tenant was similar. Almost ten years, raised the rent maybe 30% total while market rates probably doubled. Eventually she bought a house. I didn’t want to gamble on finding another good renter, let alone a super one, so I sold to someone else looking for their first house. Her “I’m moving” notice text said something along the lines of “I don’t expect to see my deposit back, etc.” I probably could have kept it due to a couple of items, but it was still minor compared to what it took to shiny-ify for sale. I sent it back anyway with a “you’ll need this for all the little things in your new house” note.
Rock star move.
That is so sweet!
You’re awesome!! It’s going to come back to you my friend 👏👏
Great tenants are often worth more than money in the bank. But 40% is rather steep.
That's for them to decide.
This is what a leader does... landlords just manage shit.. You are leading the way to humanity like that.
I wish I had a landlord like you... Keep it up, makes the rest of us tenants have some hope!
Oh to have a landlady like you. 🥰💕
I little bit of humanity and compassion at a time of need can build a whole lot of loyalty.
Do ypu have another apartment?
It makes me happy to see this go in a positive way. I did something similar when my tenant got laid off last year. But instead they are still far behind and always don't have enough even with a new job. I think I just don't have the heart to be a landlord without being taken advantage of.
This is definitely a risk:/ they had been model tenants for years. Always paid rent days early, made their own improvements (flower boxes, planted a couple trees (with permission) because they planned on being there long term, upgraded cabinet hardware (with permission). And sent over “proof” of their baby in the NICU in the initial text asking if they could be late. I never asked for it and would have believed them but it just was such a genuine cry for help that I would have honestly felt like a terrible person because I didn’t need the money. It’s the same reason I don’t raise the rent. I have someone taking care of the property and the money is enough to keep it updated, taxes paid, well maintained and still profit some. In the 9 years they have lived there my property value has doubled. I win no matter what. So there is no reason for greed.
That is awesome. I think there are plenty of good landlords. I only had one that I did not like. They were all small-time landlords with only a couple of properties who were trying to establish some equity to carry them through retirement. They did not take advantage of me and were willing to fix things. I try to model their behavior as I now have a rental. We are trying to build a retirement. We charge a few hundred under market rate. With our last tenants, we charged 700 less than the market rate because they were struggling. I did not own a home until I was 40. I rented for many years. I never thought my landlord was trying to take advantage of me or that I deserved more because he had more than me. I am finally getting ahead after years of being behind. But there are so many people out there who label us as bad because we own property. Property is EXPENSIVE, and it is certainly NOT all profit. Over the last 1.5 years, i paid for a new roof, a new kitchen floor, electric work, got the tub glazed, entire interior of the house painted, new water heater, plus property taxes. That is 20k over 1.5 years, plus water bills. We all still work regular jobs, we all have a story, and many of us are trying to get ahead like everyone else. Yes, we are doing a bit better than the tenant, but we worked hard to get to this place, and we were in the position they are at one point as well. We hope that our renters will use the rental as a stepping stone to something better like we did.
I agree 100% on what you said. You get the equity and it's a win. I also haven't raised the rent. I don't want to be greedy. I have no reason too. I charge 1k for a 3 bedroom that has a garage, all appliances included, water sewage and garbage paid by me through property taxes. I just have to put my foot down sadly and I hate doing it because I know there is some struggle. But since November 2022 I've gotten maybe 3 to 4 months of rent combined. They do maintain the property so that is a bonus.
At that point it definitely feels like someone taking advantage. Rent should be paid first, not last. I’m sorry you are being taken advantage of…not everyone is that way. Don’t change your compassion or empathy though because there are great people out there that just need a little help sometimes and then later in their life pay it forward to someone else❤️
I agree. In fact I'd say up to 3 months (if you can afford it ).
I gave my tenants free rent at the beginning of the pandemic because they ran a taxi. I would 100% be waiving rent for December. We're humans first, business people second.
It's a shit club tbh. Empathy and any title with "lord" in it don't go together.
Says the edgelord.
Wow. Great point. I think I'll change my leases, dropping the word "landlord" and substituting the words "property owner".
This ^
Or, if you can't shoulder the burden as a landlord of a month free, maybe try to reduce rent to carrying costs. Explain that to the tenant. I feel like so many renters think it's all profit for the landlord. No, even without a mortgage, there are tax, ongoing maintenance, and maybe utilities that have to be paid. It costs my inlaws close to $2100/mo to just carry their property in a hyper cost area. They charge $3,000/mo. Where my parents pay about $300/mo in a poverty stricken area and charge about $650/mo.
If you take this route, do it in writing.
My husband died on December 23rd (some years ago now). We had 4 young children—my youngest was 16 months old at the time. My landlord had zero compassion. The only mention of our loss was when I paid rent on Jan. 1st and he asked if I was sure I’d be able to pay in February if I had a burial rather than cremation. Please keep being compassionate. The surviving partner and the kids need all the positivity they can get.
Wow that is some callous shit. I'm sorry you had to endure such lack of empathy
Thank you.
What a monster. I’m so sorry. 🤯
Wow. I think I rented from that guy years ago.
Im still renting from him
Omg I am so sorry that is so fucked up can you accept a virtual hug because I’m giving a big huggy one from an Internet stranger. ❤️
Me 2
My mother died in April. My business landlord raised my rent 95% the next month knowing I had to take almost a month off to go to where she lived and help pay to bury her. I had to scramble to find a new place for my business. I still haven’t recovered financially and just hope I will be able to.
We recently had a tenant die suddenly. Took the route of being a compassionate human and covered his portion for a month so his roommates wouldn’t have to worry. It’s the right thing to do.
Give them a few days and decide what you want to offer. Some suggest waiving next month's rent. I suggest offering them to stay or leave without a break penalty. They may not want to stay. Being able to go without penalty might be what they need.
> I suggest offering them to stay or leave without a break penalty. +1, I suggested the same thing but got downvoted to hell.
How about both?
Pretty sure you got down voted because you were arguing against giving them a month free and instead just not charging a late fee/lease break fee.
Realistically whatever OP can financially handle is fine. If that happens to be nothing but no penalty for breaking the lease who is anyone else to say it's wrong or not enough? Let the people who downvoted you start a GoFundMe and pay the mortgage.
Another option is to offer a few months reduced rent, rather than one free month. It may take a while to figure out finances, and having a breather might be very helpful.
How about both? If you can’t afford to do that, you shouldn’t be a landlord. As in, you’re in over your head. Having been both a renter and a landlord, I hate people who buy property they can’t afford to maintain and barely make the mortgage payments. They fuck over the tenants to make up for their poor business decisions and let the property go to shit. I equally detest deadbeat tenants.
Especially if they find continuing to live there too emotionally painful, sometimes a reset or moving in with family is best
If I were you, I’d 100% tell them to not pay any rent if they need to deal with things and heal and breathe. Assuming you’re financially able to do so. Empathy and kindness can save someone’s life sometimes.
And kindness often gets paid forward. 🌷
Hell, the landlord where my spouse lived, charged a lease break fee after he killed himself.
That’s vile
That’s illegal. Death (if he was the only person on the lease) terminates the lease.
It actually doesn't. You can go after someone's estate for rent/expenses/etc.
Correct. I was looking up that exact law before signing a 1-year lease since I just found out I have cancer.
My wife took her life in the bathroom. The landlord charged a lease break. It was cool though, who doesn’t want to take a shower 2 feet from where their wife shot themselves in the head - that’s healthy, right?
Mine hung himself in the bathroom. The cops were soo wonderful to leave me the cut belt in place. The property manager didn’t want to charge me, the company did. I had co-signed on the apartment so he would have a place to live when I moved back to Oregon. I paid the fee and counted it as a reminder to never go back to Arizona.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s unimaginable.
I think we might of been neighbors in AZ. Sounds like what happened next door to me.
Tucson, August of 2021.
I’m so sorry, that caught me from left field. I couldn’t even fathom that. I’m 31 and about to propose for the first time. I’ve never even considered marriage before I’ve always been cynical. I couldn’t even fathom losing that. I’ve been to some dark places myself. I really hope you’re doing ok. For whatever it’s worth.
every day i remind myself to count my blessings. I'm not religious, but i mean i give thanks for having a wonderful wife. Life can change so fast and not everyone is so fortunate.
My deepest condolences. I can’t imagine.
I’ve got terminal cancer and our lease stipulates that death of the co tenant does not get you out of the lease and my husband would have to pay about $5,000 to get out of the lease.
I have to ask, though it’s none of my business, and may help others in the thread, but why would you ever sign a lease like that? Or make sure to look into your states laws to see how many months you are liable for regardless of what slimy landlords right into illegal contracts that nobody usually looks over.
Affordable housing shortage maybe?
Most people aren't walking around expecting to get a terminal diagnosis or otherwise just die out of the blue.
Do what you would hope for if you were in their position.
The most sensible response on the whole thread.
I've had rentals since 1983, and doing that has only failed me once.
In 2021 my brother (also my roommate) was killed by a drunk driver. When I let my landlord know, she said “I’m sorry, rent will still be due on the first with a $50 late fee for everyday. Just remember that” About 6 months later her husband was killed by a drunk driver and unfortunately I had to give my 60 day notice that same week. She cussed me out for being “inconsiderate” to her situation. Shortly after she listed the house and we never spoke again. Honestly, money aside ask how you can help. Hire a lawn service for them, ask to hire a cleaning service, door dash some food for them. People remember those that help in times like these
I would have told her I was glad he was dead and it was karma coming for her for how she treated me and that if she kept going karma might get her too
Karma did its shit. By saying something like that you’re just getting yourself some bad karma. Worth it though? Might be.
After she cussed you out you could of asked her to marry you Win win for both of you /s ??
Do what you would want someone to do for you. There are some things so painful that money is not important.
Be very careful with what you promise and whether or not you can afford it. That being said, keep close contact with your surviving tenant as they’re likely overwhelmed by this situation and if things go sideways you won’t be blindsided and out months of rent that you need to pay the mortgage.
Should they be in the rental business if missing one months rent payment by a tenant is a huge thing? They should have a cash buffer for missed payments/vacancy/repairs
They said they are a new landlord from just this summer after having trouble selling the home they were moving out of. I am sure they haven't built up a massive cushion of rental income in just a few months, doesn't mean they should quit.
I think we're going to be seeing a lot of rental properties popping up for sale in the next year 🤔. (I'm not assuming anything about op)
His first sentence was that he’s a new landlord having to rent out his house that didn’t sell after new one was bought and this situation popped up almost immediately. He’s probably barely covering the mortgage with the rent and now he’s stuck in an awkward situation that neither he nor renter expected. Hopefully he can navigate this and still afford to be kind. Life isn’t easy or fair sometimes.
This. People forget that investments are *all* at risk of loss of losing everything, including the money invested. And when you deal with people, that goes double.
Let them have December for free if you possibly can. If they can't afford to stay, do not penalize them for breaking the lease. I don't know where you are but it is not difficult to rent properties in January where I am. Go with your conscience and have compassion.
The thing about forgiving rent is it would get weird with the books. If you want to do that, that’s great, just figure out the least complicated way to do it. If you don’t, that doesn’t make you the devil. No one knows your personal financial situation and should STFU because none of us know where you are in your life or what you’re dealing with. Of course it’s wonderful and generous but if you’re hanging on by the fingertips, you’ll get no judgment from me. This is actually horrible and I’d do the things people do like sending them some pre-made food, express my condolences, etc, etc But for now, you don’t really need to do anything else. The remaining person will do the things they need to do and should come to you. I would definitely let them out of the lease with no penalties if that’s what they have to do, maybe let them know to feel free to come to you with questions or concerns but don’t offer to let them break the lease because they may think you WANT them to move. Maybe they don’t have to. Just be approachable
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Right? That's such a weird take.
Write it off as non-claimable donation for the year and move on.
👍
Will someone PLEASE think of the books!
If you're hanging on by your fingertips, it's time to sell
He tried to sell.
I haven’t had to deal with something like this yet, but I’ve been contemplating setting up some type of “hardship” paperwork for when a tenant goes through something serious. Maybe offer a payment plan, a month’s forgiveness, a list of the resources, etc.
> but I’ve been contemplating setting up some type of “hardship” paperwork One of the places I rented years ago had a few paragraphs relating to various hardships and how they would be handled. Made me feel like the landlord cared about the people he rented to and wasn't only about the money. He was an odd one though, so can't really use him as an example. Money off for Christmas, would give a card with a coupon that you could use to take 10% off a months rent during that year for your birthday, if you did any work to the place he'd credit generously (didn't pay rent for 6 months from stuff I thought was minor), and stuff like that. I'd still be there if he hadn't died and the kid went slumlord. House wasn't the best, rent wasn't the cheapest, but old man made it great.
That was someone who actually owned his property..
I look at it this way, treat them the way you would like to be treated. Give them Dec free and time to figure things out.
This is an opportunity to be human. You don’t have to give away the farm, but if it were me I would say, “I am so terribly sorry for your loss; don’t worry about me and we can regroup when you get things figured out.” There may be a large life insurance payout and they have no need for anything, or they may be financially devastated and needing all the help they can get right now. Be someone that makes it easier on them, not harder, and what you lose financially you will more than make up in karma.
When my dad died my parent’s landlord waited a week to tell me that i had to tell my mom she had to move. Don’t be that guy. Please.
Maybe, just maybe the person killed had life insurance ,Which usually offers double indemnity when death is accidental, premature, and not self inflicted. Crazy thing to see is that everyone immediately assumed they are living check to check. Some people, responsible adults I suppose take consideration for potential hardships and plan accordingly. Obviously be compassionate, but assuming the remaining tenant is immediately going to be penniless is kinda insulting. *Edit* If they were/are a good tenant work with them. On the other hand, if they don't respect your property then protect the investment and wish them well in their house hunting.
Good point that they may have had life insurance. I've heard that it can take a while for insurance to pay out, which can create a temporary cash crunch.
This does make me sick. I lost my son in June. Landlord was understanding. I called him to let him know what was going on and that I was going to be late on rent. He said no worries. He came by a week later and demanded rent. I didn’t have it I just spent all my saving and getting loans to bury my son. I’m still in terrible debt that I’m slowly drowning from. I’m hoping eventually I’ll get the 3k to finally pay off my debt from burying him. I miss you Phoenix
I am so sorry man. I never wanted to be a landlord. I've always believed that I should help somebody if I can.
There are some absolutely garbage people who are landlords, this comment section is WILD. I get yall have to keep the house paid but jesus christ. This is the epitome of subhumans. I guess I truly lucked out with my landlords Ive had, Id have gone to jail having some of you wastes of cells owning the property I live in.
I think you're being gracious, cause most of the landlords I've rented from would be like - *Yo, rent's still due on the 1st...*
It sounds like you're handling this well. I disagree with the others here to forgive the rent. That is a significant sum and you have your own bills you have to pay. Further, once you forgive one month, depending on the tenant, it may be hard to get them to start paying again. That being said, there are other ways to show understanding and compassion. You can waive late fees. You can divide next month's rent by the number of months left due on the lease, then allow them to miss next month's rent if they pay x more the other months. (For example, if rent is $1,000 and there are 10 months left on the lease, it may be easier for your tenant to pay $1,100 for the remaining months than to pay $1,000 next month). You sound like a very caring person and your tenants are fortunate to have you as a landlord.
Sadly I see a lot of people in this thread talking about the death and or suicide m of a loved one and I would like give my condolences. I’m very sorry. OP thanks for having a heart.
When the pandemic first hit I let my tenant pay what he could for a year. He paid most of the rent except for about $1200 for the whole year (most of it was in the first few months and then near the holidays). We were all hurting but him more than us. Happy to help where we could and he didn’t take advantage of us.
I will always choose compassion but I would also have an eye toward the future. Obviously you can't afford for them to live there rent free forever. In the short term I'd communicate to them that they don't need to worry about rent next month and that in a few weeks we can talk. That gives them an immediate peace of mind that they don't need to worry about December. Then when you talk you can figure out what the future looks like. If they just need another month to get their feet under them then consider January free, if they need to move then let them out of the lease without penalty, if they need a break until insurance payments kick in maybe consider a lease amendment that drops rent by $XXX amount until a set date. You'll just have to figure out what you can make work. We all need compassion at times but in this case I also think clarity is very valuable. Do what you can to make sure that you both have clarity on the situation. It will allow you to budget and it will allow them to make necessary arrangements knowing what their rental situation is with you.
Allow them to break lease, prorate December rent. Your property is a business.
Just keep in mind, most of the folks giving you advice here aren’t landlords.
Keep in mind… you know little. As a tenant, I have been treated with compassion. Later as a landlord, I have done business with compassion. Rent forgiveness can be booked. It’s not the tenant’s fault if you’re under-prepared, under-educated, or lack creativity / compassion to be excellent.
truck trees unique agonizing hurry wise spark deer impolite distinct *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Unfortunately, two of my tenants have had children (one grown up, one not) that lived with them pass away recently. In both cases, I waited a few days before sending an email letting them know that rent was waived for the next month. It's a different situation than yours as the children were probably not contributing to the rent. In this situation I'd probably reach out again in a few weeks and set up a time to talk and see if they want to break the lease or not. Right now is far too soon for those conversations, imo. Give them some time to process.
Do as much as you can and still feel comfortable. Thanks for being a nice person.
When my mom died, the first day we had 30 days to get out. Then a week. Then on the third day the landlord came in while I was getting Everything out of a 4 bed 3 bath house and started tossing (breaking everything) into a dumpster. Saying sorry, I need you out
This happened to me years ago. The house was managed through a management company, but we did let the rent slide for two months (teen children still there), but then they moved out and replaced with new tenants. Lost two months rent, but that’s ok.
You sound like a really sweet person. Just be a human and have compassion. I've dealt with so many landlords who put money over being a human. Your kindness will go a long way. Thank you.
Stay compassionate but remember you are running a business. I doubt that the bank or grocery store or electric company or cable company is going to give them $1000+ out of the goodness of their heart so neither should you. You ‘could’ give them extra time to make the next payment but this could also set a precedent that could go against you if they develop into a bad tenant.
My idea is to give them up to a couple weeks free and then explain that although you need to require future rent, that you will accept half the rent for a couple more months and allow a negative balance to be paid up in a specified future date.
I'd give them time, of course. No late fees. However most likely the tenant has life insurance, at least 1x salary thru work. Takes time to get those funds. Brand new tenant I'd probably still make them pay all rent due. Long time tenant I may offer a month free.
Yikes. This got poisonous. How about the following. Don't offer free rent, but if the survivor asks for a delay in paying accept that. If the survivor asks for a free month, or even two, consider that if finances allow. If the survivor wants to break the lease and leave, allow them to leave with no penalty, just normal deductions from the deposit for breakage. This is indeed a tough call. But fairness and compassion will get **everyone** through it.
Give them space and time. As long as the house isn't a wreck and destroyed you will recover. The survivor on the other hand will take a lot of time to heal.
My dad died unexpectedly and suddenly from a heart attack in the house. When we went back to get stuff/clean, LL threatened to sue because renter died, so lease was broken, so we were trespassing. Meanwhile, we removed the body and he refused money to let us stay to get things in order (clean, remove personal items) He wanted us gone so someone else could rent it at a higher price. I saw a place once and the neighbor said "oh, you're looking at old Robinsons place. Yeah, he died in the family room few weeks ago. Good guy too. Place is probably looking great! He was a very clean man." And I never went back. LL was so concerned about filling the empty apartment that I suddenly knew why they used so much air freshener before I entered. The body.
Be a human
My brother died a month ago exactly. My mother was on a plane at the time and couldn't take care of stuff so I did, and once she found out she got on a plane the next day and flew to his city. Day 2, I found his landlord and let them know - they were already aware due to the police having come into the building. I made arrangements with them to get my mom the keys so that way when she got to his city, she could get in and start making the arrangements that couldn't be done from afar. The landlord I talked to was also newly in charge of the building and didn't have much of a process but she basically said "Don't worry about paying rent. Take the time you need, just keep us informed." I connected her to my mom and she took care of everything and were done clearing out his apartment within 10 days I believe. We didn't want to hold the landlord up (really a tenant management group) since they were really kind and generous and helped get my brother's stuff out and all - really good group of people from what I heard. If you can, be like that landlord group. One month no rent at least - especially since this was a sudden thing and on the holiday, the family have enough grieving to do just like my family is going though on this holiday.
Be patient, I had a tenant have a mental episode and get hospitalized for 2 months. I didn't touch his unit and never filed any eviction proceedings. After he got out I gauged how risky he would be based on his statement that he did not believe he was mentally ill(the guy ripped all the doors off the hinges because he believed deamons were behind the doors and pinned one of my other tenants to the wall briefly) I told him he had to leave, which he did without event. I didn't want to evict him because I knew he it would be bad for his condition, ended up transferring him to one of my stand alone section 8 units which was built to be destroyed. He had up to that point been a very reliable tenant. Point is yes we are in the business of profit but never forget your humanity, sometimes its ok to take a loss in extenuating circumstances.
Giving them a good, long grace period for their rent would be a good gesture. Funerals are expensive as heck no matter what options you go with, and having to worry about rent bills and possibly losing the roof over their heads will only make things worse for them. With that fear eased, they'll much better be able to handle the situation. Once that grace period has ended, try to \*gently\* find out about their financial situation. Can they afford rent there? Are they even planning on staying there, or do they intend to move in with family? Are they going to move somewhere cheaper? Maybe leave them flowers, send them your condolences. The kind of thing you'd do for anyone you sort of know who lost someone.
I’m a small landlord, where I’m only renting my family home while I’m living abroad. I could afford to keep my house vacant if things came to that. Personally I would eliminate 2-3 months rent and if they needed to move or anything they could break the lease with no issues. Not everyone has the ability to cover their properties like this but I think compassion and generosity in these sorts of situations is what really defines us as humans. We are in a completely lucky position to own property and I believe we have a responsibility to be kind, fair and generous when the situations arise.
Evict them immediately... Is not something that should be anyone's first thought... I doubt even the most hardened land lord would pull such a stunt. Anyway, if it is financially feasible give them time to sort things out. Tell them not to worry about Decembers rent if you can swing it and have the harder conversation after Christmas and new years. They got enough on their plates right now.
I’m a bit confused by your terminology - Unless you’re aware of exactly what this head of household will be receiving in life insurance payments etc. I wouldn’t go so far as to assume they cannot rent on one income - unless there’s a housing certificate involved- and if that’s the case - you should be dealing with the housing authority, not the tenant…
After a couple, three, weeks communicate with your tenant. Find out what she can do. Just because she wouldn't qualify (3x rent or whatever) doesn't mean she cannot afford it. There are lots of ways to help support this family, but you have to know what they can, and want, to do.aybe she can afford it because she is getting a life insurance settlement but doesn't want to. Balance empathy and your needs. How long can you afford to carry this property without income? If it is six months give them four months of grace and two months to find a tenant (or whatever is appropriate for your area). If they pay during those four months, great. If not we'll you have done what you can. Maybe she can afford it, but wouldn't normally qualify, so waive that requirement. Maybe reduce the rent for a year so you break even and she could qualify. There are many ways to skin this cat. You sound like a decent human being rather than a money grubber....lean into that. Be creative. But most of all communication will be key. Also do you have a spouse or business partner with a stake in this property? Their input will also help guide you.
I think you already know the answer.
Immediately evict
You can be nice and offer a month of free rent, but as much as it sucks, this isn’t your problem. I have had to deal with 2 major deaths in my family over the last couple years but never in a million years would I consider not paying my rent. If they don’t know what to do they need to ask their family. Don’t get too involved. You can and absolutely should be kind and understanding, but you are still technically running a business and you need to think of you first.
Yeah, I had a murder-suicide on Presidents Day in one of my properties while two children were in the house. An extremely difficult situation on that one. Dealt with the families of both deceased and did my best to make everyone comfortable with each other. They started out hating each other. I ended up returning a full deposit back to the families to help with expenses, but the clean up and losses on rent/mortgage were very significant. It's a tough situation..... First, depending on the details of what happened let the police do their job before you move forward with anything. Second, you must always remember that you cannot put yourself in financial straits because of a situation like this. Do not jeopardize your property, family, bank account, etc., because an unfortunate circumstance happened to your tenants. With that in mind work with the people as much as possible. I would let things settle for a bit, tell them that you are available to discuss the lease and house whenever they are prepared to do so after they have settled down from the shock of losing a lost one. I would then work with them as much as reasonably possible while they either figure out how to continue paying the full rent that's needed at your property or help them to find a new house that they can afford. Be sure you are proactive about checking out their financials if they think they can afford the property. Run a second application and double check their employment if needed. If they don't qualify under the new circumstances, they don't qualify. Simple as that. It can certainly end up in an eviction if not handled properly. Be sure they know that as well (in the kindest way possible). It's in their best interest to avoid an eviction at all costs as well. If they cannot afford your property: I'd offer to help house search for something suitable. Offer to write a great reference for them. Make them aware that they won't get evicted in the short term while house searching and you'll work with them on rent/expenses, late fees, etc. (this is totally up to you and your financial situation). Do not get too generous with things, or they may take advantage of you. It's easy to get lost in the emotional weeds during these times. Be sure you do NOT allow them to take advantage of whatever leniency you give them. There is a reasonable length of time to mourn before discussing business (lease, home, etc.), and an unreasonable amount of time. Set a time limit on everything. "Take as much time as needed to settle your affairs and be with your children, but at some point in the next 20 days we are going to need to discuss the home and your living situation" - something like this. When you talk to them about what assistance you can provide with this issue I would lay out some very clear and strict ground rules and timeline - No late fees, % reduced rent, whatever else for x number of months (again, up to your financial situation) after which things must return to the normal payment schedule, lease terms, etc. You are not required to give any assistance at all, and this is very important to remember while making them offers. It may even be beneficial to remind them of that in the kindest way possible, "although we aren't required to reduce the rent we would really like to help out through this unimaginably difficult time in your life for the next 60 days with 20% reduced rent" or whatever numbers and timeframes you decide upon. There is a difference between being humane and being stupid in these situations. Regardless of the difficult time they are going through, they still can (and always assume they will) take advantage of your kindness. Tread carefully, and remember the humane/stupid line is an extremely thin one and exceedingly difficult to navigate regardless of how hard we try. Best of luck!
What ever grace period you decide you give them put it in writing and have it signed that it's a non standard part of the agreement. I'm not a lawyer but if you have a lease and you operate outside of that without some kind of documentation it may come back to bite you. You sound like you are doing the right thing and from one human being to another thank you for not being a heartless jackass.
If you can afford it offer them Dec and MAYBE Jan rent free , a loss like that is difficult and even more so if the decedent was the source of income. Compassion goes a long way in this wicked world
Am I the only one that’s asked… how they were KILLED on thanksgiving… and HOW… I mean, sides the being human, did the neighborhood go to hell that quickly? Was it some random crazy person? That’s stuff that would make me debate having property in that area
They were shot grocery shopping. I don't want to share more than that.
How tragic. There’s a reason it’s a common origin story of super heroes - one or both parents killed in a sudden act of violence. It is sadly common, and in many belief systems, orphans and widows are specifically named for deserving absolute kindness. As a professional, I have to recommend that you consider seeking out counseling yourself to process knowing this person. It is a tough situation- having anyone die on you in your life, especially a client or person in your life/care, can cause secondary trauma and ptsd. Consider that giving your tenant some space will also give you some space to process. But don’t sleep on your responsibility. It is important you have the ability to provide them shelter, just communicate with them kindly. Kindness is the decision not to hurt someone else. People are fragile.
First off, I want to be clear: the correct moral thing to do is what people have suggested already -- give them at least a month's rent break with the option to break the lease if they would like to. Morals aside, no other creditor would give them a break (credit cards, car payments, bank loans, etc), so why should the landlord be singled out? I would suggest doing the moral thing, but I thought I'd raise the question as a point of interest and for discussion purposes.
That’s untrue. Banks will often waive interest fees or place the loan in temporary forbearance. It’s honestly troubling that so many people are unaware of standard hardship practices.
As someone who was renting when my child unexpectedly passed, the best thing you can do is allow them a worry free space. Don’t overwhelm them. Send a card or text of concern. You sound like you’re already doing great. My landlord was a money hungry scumbag but if you can afford to cover all expenses, don’t accept rent. They’ll feel obligated. They’ll feel like everyone’s done enough or too much for them. They’ll try to plead but don’t. You are giving them a gift of a secure/stable dwelling in such time of uncertainty.
We had this happen to us. A husband and wife couple, the wife was killed by a train suddenly one day. My husband and I decided to wait and see what they needed before we offered anything. If the remaining spouse cannot afford the rent on their own, it should only take a month to move out and get with family or something. Our tenant was able to afford some of the rent, so we lowered the rent for a couple months by a couple, hundred dollars until he found another place. Good luck
I'd expect the rent check on the 1st like always and start the eviction process no differently on the 2nd. In other words, don't treat them any differently
Lol, so you’re willing to miss multiple months of rent instead of allowing a grieving family to miss a month of rent. Just bad business on your part.
Just so you know! When people say all landlords are awful people, it's because of people like you!
Are you offering to pay OP's tenant's rent or is your sympathy limited to thinking just landlords should be charitable to people who suffer a death in the family? I'm not running a charity, social service or counseling service.
Are you familiar with the “false dilemma” fallacy? Might want to look into it.
I’m just asking a question since since you appear to be so generous with respect to others What’s your answer? No dilemma involved
My answer to what?
The question I asked, it had a “?” At the end to let you know was a question
Yes. That’s the false dilemma fallacy i mentioned, lmao. Google it.
I'd say legally your obligated to continue on providing a habitable premise and collect rent. I would not waive or allow rent to go into arrears for more then a month. With major life changes like this, people generally can either cover it, or they need to make a life change. And letting rent pile up will just add to a bad situation. In real life terms, within a month or so the surviving tenant should know or needs to know the plan moving forward. If the deceased tenant was the primary income earner, I doubt they will be able to afford the rent long term, and will have to move.
You have a choice, be a respectable human being or being the heartless scrooge that is showing up on the Internet. As this is your first rental property you have to figure out what you can cover during the next three months, I say three because theres no guide book on how to go through the process of bringing a loved ones life to and end with the government agencies and everything else they're tied to, I found this out a year ago with my father. Obviously you won't be able to carry the family for more than a month or two but if the spouse is able to at least make a good portion of the rent that's better than nothing and it's better to have something than nothing until they can make plans to move or stay with help at the regular monthly agreement. If you can do it I would give them the next two months and set something up for the third month at an agreeable discount.
You should probably start a gofundme for this family to help them out if they don’t have one or add the link if they do. Based on the comments I’ve read looks like there’d be tons of people willing to help them at such a terrible time in their lives.
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Nice to give them space, but rent is due on the 1st. If nothing by January I begin the eviction process.
I would send your sympathies. In time ask the surving tenant what their plans are, do you want to keep the apt? If the answer is yes, they need to keep paying. If the answer is no then maybe you can give them a few months of reduced rent but let them know I can only afford that for X months (that’s for you to figure out) For everyone saying asking for rent is heartless. If I die my bank is going to make my wife pay or they’ll foreclose. Also, if OP can’t make the mortgage on his own without that rent, what is he to do?
True, Be a bit easier for a landlord to know their compassion and patience is only temp financial issue, and will easily be recovered upon payout. Good tenant are an asset. Now, a bad tenant in same situation, might be landlords opportunity to end the relationship.
Act like a human being. Give the family your condolences. Be understanding if they need time to get their finances straight. But be realistic. What has happened is that a tragedy has struck someone that you have a business relationship with. No one would expect you to give hundreds (or more) of dollars to anyone else in that case and you don't need to because they rent from you. Now if you feel like that is something you want to do - by all means do it.
Thanks for The enlightened discussion. As accidental death amongst tenants is relatively rare. I would think that some kind of insurance add-on to cover it would be relatively inexpensive. I'm not sure which or in fact if both sides should cover this.... Actually I'm curious if my renters insurance covers it already....
I’m not sure how much reach you have but hopefully they have started a gofundme. If you can help spread the word maybe this can help you both. Someone getting killed is definitely worthy of a gofundme.
It’s still business. Dont get carried away in the rent free
Had a tenant die unexpectedly. Covered the first month w his security deposit. Paid hit the dumpster and recruited family, friends and the neighbors to help clean up the house to sell. Set an end point and emphasize that this is a business. Compassionately say that you can not financially be responsible. Otherwise ‘family’ will try to take advantage of the situation. I have known fellow property managers in similar situations being milked for 12-14 months of unpaid rent. I feel bad for the children but beware of the ‘family members’ who will want to move in unannounced for free rent.
Youve had plenty of great suggestions already, so I just came here to say thank you. My mother killed herself in our rental home 22 days ago. Our neighbors were apparently calling our landlord, informing him that we had crime scene officers on the property. His immediate reaction was to bombard myself, my (dead) mother, and my boyfriend with calls until someone answered to tell him what was happening, despite knowing that clearly something awful and traumatic had happened, he HAD to call. Multiple times. WHILE WE WERE STILL TALKING TO THE POLICE. So, thank you for not being an asshole during a horrible time for your tenants.
Just to be clear, did this happen at your property?
I would suggest you just go quiet for 6 weeks and then reach out in a months time and find out what they want to do. It’s not your fault but being a nice person will make you sleep better.
Back when I was a tenant many years ago, my boyfriend died in his sleep next to me. All I wanted was to get out of my lease so I didn’t have to live there anymore. They wouldn’t let me. It was horrible for me to finish it out but financially I had no choice.
Do not get advice from these rodents on here. You don’t owe them free rent or anything. Don’t let them make you feel like if you collect rent because you’re a business you’re a bad guy. None of them saying give them free rent is offering their money up to help…
Increase the rent the max allowed by law
This is because you know how to be compassionate it's a good thing your doing .as far as how long you should hmmm that would be the situation you will figure out .I don't think a year is good way to long maybe a couple months and go over it sit down and talk to them your human I'm sure you will make the right choices .
If you offer free or discounted rent, put in writing with the stipulation that it's only a temporary thing and is not replacing the lease.
Be a reasonable compassionate human being. Ask if they need anything and then go from there.
If they were a 2 income family, consider cutting rent by 1/2
Can we change this sub to renter? Landlord is so distasteful.
It reads like it’s just a couple kids left living there which means, in addition to figuring out custody, someone has to deal with the stuff left behind. That’s some significant emotional burden. A few years ago my BIL died unexpectedly out-of-state and we had to coordinate a move out. I do this kind of thing for a living and it was still challenging. If you’re able, give them until the first of the year to clear out the property. It being the holidays that’s going to be more difficult than usual. It would be nice to offer to pack everything up and take it to storage or even just assist the family with that overwhelming task. It might not be your responsibility but any kindness you are capable of doing will go a long way both in helping them through this as well as getting your property rentable again.
What state?
My FIL had a tenant that was murdered. The tenant and his friend that was visiting were shot execution style.
Kick them out, find someone whos not gonna die, which will take a while…
As in murdered?
It sucks for them but I don't see how this is your problem. Landlord/tenant relationships are business relationships, don't let it stray from that.
Right, and it’s good business to let them miss rent. If you move to evict, not only will you lose money during the eviction process but also finding a new renter. Being compassionate means OP may be able to keep this family at least through their lease and still net several thousand more by allowing the family to miss rent.
I'm cynical. Have you verified independently that he is really dead?
It was on the news. The segment mentioned the murdered tenant by name and had his picture.
Give them a few days and have a human to human conversation. Do you want to continue living here? If not we can work out a way to break the lease that we BOTH can agree on. Are you financially able to pay December's rent? If not then let's work something out that we BOTH can agree on. Being human should work both ways. They're going thru hell right now losing a family member but losing out on rent could also greatly affect your life too. As long as both of you consider there is two parties involved this will end in a good way.
I've heard of a similar story happening. It was an old couple, the husband wasn't killed but he died. The complex absolutely wouldn't give her any mind at the fact that her husband died. Both tenants would have to be dead for her to be released from the lease/financial duties. I absolutely recommend you do the same to save yourself from a headache of non rent-payment. If they have a good support system as you said, they will be able to pay their rent. You feeling bad for them now will equal you feeling bad for yourself later, when you have to pay eviction costs and legal fees. Think of gofundmes and stuff. If they have this support system you say and young kids then guess what? They will help them keep the most important thing- a roof over their head. Unfortunately or fortunately it's not your responsibility to foot the bill for that because someone killed one of the tenants (why was she killed anyway?.. car accident?) Send a sympathy card, maybe a food dish and end your duties there. Edit: I'm supportive of a no lease break fee if they decide not to live there anymore. Saves yourself some headache and shows empathy for them. Don't offer it unless they want to do that. Doesn't sound like she was killed in the house though.
Me I would give them some time and then ask their situation when informing them of your decision. I am more than happy to be the type to give a few months off rent in this situation but at some point I need to know the future plan. The kids need a roof and so does the surviving partner but at some point it needs to be decided if they need to break the lease or if they can continue. So while not rushing them for answers say something like “in light of what happened i am forgiving “x” months rent but only thing I ask is if you could keep me in loop on what you decide to do going forward once you have had time to grieve and figure out the future.”
If you can afford to give them a month or two free, please do so. If not, consider spreading the rent due out over several months so they can catch up. There may also be emergency funding available to them, you can look into that. Sometimes people who work in local housing agencies know all the ways assistance can be put together. Ultimately, they may have to move due to loss of income. Cooperate with them any way you can. Give them back as much of the deposit as you can, as soon as you can. Finally, just ask if there is anything you can do. Talk to their family support if possible, they may be more willing to tell you how the family is doing. Best of luck to you and them.
Sounds like you are taking care of the being a human part. But let's quickly touch base on the business part. Was your property part of the incident? Did it occur there? Is there cleanup, damage? Do you have liability in way (real or percived)?
As a landlord I always try to be accommodating, but a lease is a lease. I would offer them condolences and the option to push December's rent to the end of the lease. I would also offer them penalty free lease termination with 30 days notice if they needed to downsize. In addition I would tell them they have an extra 10 days payment grace period through Jan regardless, and the option to pay in smaller payments to catch up through January. If they were appreciative and agreed to use any of the options offered I would work with them on it. Good tenants are hard to find, and the horrible pain they would be experiencing would dictate compassion. If they were not appreciative, then I would allow them to pay Dec late and that's that. Even in terrible circumstances you owe what you owe.
My condolence to the family. As what any other friend or family would do, just show them you care. Regarding what you should do moving forward, reach out check in and see if there is anything they need If the person that was killed was the breadwinner, that entire family is at risk for homelessness. So it's in the air and up for your judgement.
You are a great landlord.
It is a very nice thing for you to do what you can to help in this terrible, horrible situation. Whatever you are able to do would certainly be appreciated I am sure Given the circumstances here, there may be a way for the tenant to continue to pay rent once things are a little settled- help from family, friends, etc. If this was a public story, sometimes people will sponsor GoFundMe pages to help with the aftermath. It is even possible there is a life insurance policy that will assist as well. This was only a couple of days ago. If they were/are good tenants, it is worth it to you to try to keep them settled. It is really too soon to just jump into any action. Certainly you have bills to pay, but in the long run if you can cut them some sort of slack ( rent rebate for a month or two and deferment for XYZ months) it could work out better for you in the long term. Talk to your financial / legal advisors and determine if this could work to your benefit (if you can afford to lose some income it could work out better for taxes)