To outsiders looking in, the surprising announcements of bankruptcy filings and store closures from large brands like Toys “R” Us and Bon-Ton seem to indicate the doom of brick and mortar retail as we know it. For others, the news of these brands vacating space suggests opportunity and dollar signs.

In property management, one of our core responsibilities is rent collection. This is the “blood flow” of a property and the means in which we maintain or increase its value. While usually our tenants simply toss their rent payments in the mail, it comes to pass that others are not as disciplined or organized when paying or adjusting their monthly amounts. When that happens, it’s up to us as property managers and accountants to resolve the issue, often drawing on personal experience and values to get the job done.