Short answer
A useful ledger separates rent due from money received. It records date, amount, payment method, period covered and any remaining balance.
What to do next
Enter each partial payment as its own transaction and reconcile the balance after every posting.
Save the current lease, dated messages, receipts and any property-specific evidence together. A useful record shows what happened, when it happened and which document or rule you relied on.
Check the source
Rules may change and the right answer can depend on the home, city, lease and timing. Review the current official material before signing, charging a fee, sending a notice or making a legal decision.
Texas Property Code, Chapter 92 ↗
Put it into your workflow
A repeatable process turns a one-time answer into a reliable rental record. Capture the action in your property file, assign a follow-up date if needed and make sure any tenant communication matches the signed agreement.
Enter each partial payment as its own transaction and reconcile the balance after every posting.
General information for U.S. landlords, with a Texas focus. This guide is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation.