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Landlord options for collecting late-payment charges

By Robert Griswold, Wednesday, June 21, 2006.

Question: My tenants pay their rent late almost every month but do not include the late fees as required under their lease. I regularly contact them in writing asking for late fees and insisting that they pay on time. They respond and acknowledge that they owe the late fees but they always have some excuse and tell me they will have to pay them later. I contacted a local governmental agency that I was referred to and they advised me that while the late charges I am seeking were very reasonable, I should be glad the tenants even pay the rent and not to pursue the late fees.  more...

Real estate inheritance could cheat sibling out of home

By Robert Bruss, Wednesday, June 21, 2006.

DEAR BOB: My husband and I, in our 70s, live in our home of 48 years. Our three children are in their 40s. Our will stipulates the house will go to the three siblings upon our death. However, since one unmarried daughter living at home has been on disability for the last 25 years, we wonder if that is a good idea? If her brother and sister want their financial share of the house, the disabled daughter would not have the money to buy their shares. Nor would she have a place to live. We want to show compassion and yet be fair. Our children are very kind, sincere and loving of each other.  more...