Are There Any Pitfalls In Paying/ Accepting Rent?

In the current economic climate this question might seem somewhat bizzarre.!! A tenant's main aim is to preserve his business including occupation of any premises by paying rent. The landlord's main focus is to maintain a rental income stream by accepting rent. The reality may be different. Often the first signs that a tenant is experiencing problems is by making late or irregular payments of rent. If rent is not paid then a remedy for the landlord is to end the lease (by way of legal forfeiture) In recessionary times this is not such an attractive proposition for many landlords so many prefer to accept rent as and when paid.

But what is the legal effect of doing so and more importantly what practical consequences does this have for both landlord and tenant??