Right. So I moved in with the lady August last year, and put my apartment up for rent.

I had a young Polish couple with baby move in.

They are generally late with the rent, but tend to pay within 10 days past due date.

However, they have not paid May's rent, and are now overdue with June's.

My rental agency look after all rent collection, and forward monies to me after agency fee deducted. I had spoken to my agency late May (and several times since), and apparently they'd followed due procedure with phonecalls, letters and text messages to chase late payment.

The tenants claim they were on holiday, and have had some kind of criminal issue with their bank account, meaning that my rent left their account, but didn't reach the agency.

I took this as an excuse, and didn't believe it.

I instructed the rental agency to issue 2 months notice - which sees tenants through to completion of 12 month contract. Apartment is now up for rent (at slightly higher rent to match rising market etc) ready for new tenants to move in next August.

Just wanted this over and done with, and to get these guys out.

This afternoon, I come home to this email from the lady tenant:

~

Dear Tim

I know from the agency that you still haven't received your money. I am really sorry and I would like to apologize for any problems this situation caused you.
We were on holiday when we paid you rent and at this same time someone cracked into our account. On our bank statement it clearly says that our money has gone but for some reason the money haven't reached your account. I have just spoken to the bank manager and we will try to sort out the issue immediately. We are currently in difficult situation but we will pay you both rents within few days. I know that you are not happy and probably feel disappointed with us, but we are not bad people who are irresponsible and don't care about anything. We never had any problems before with our landlords and always stay in good relations.
We would like to ask if there is any chance that you will change your decision and let us to stay at your property? If you give us a second chance we will not dissapoint you this time and promise to pay you on time. We really like this place.
I look forward to hearing from you soon and once again sorry for all troubles.

With Regards

~

She had left a message on my voicemail too saying the same things, but haven't had a chance yet to speak to her directly.

Now I feel like I overreacted, and my instinct with hindsight is to believe their story.

My feeling is that I will give them a second chance, but with the due increase in rent, and a warning that I won't tolerate continued late payments.

Am I being soft?