Are landlords, or management companies obligated to help out distressed tenants during this tough economy?

No- not to sound cruel but landlords are not required to make concessions for a tenants hardship... Some may-if they can afford it..I feel for people but the bank and tax-man don't care about my problems.I will refer people in this position to agencies like welfare for assistance... It used to be where tenants had their way in court-now judges are seeing that most landlords aren't wealthy people and allowing a non paying tenant to stay may jeopardize his ability to keep his property. Most judges give tenants 30 days to leave---but it could be as little as 48 hours if the owner presses. Tell your neighbor to contact the welfare office...They may offer emergency assistance to bring her current....Some churches that are active in the Community may offer a quality referral.

Nothing would obligate a landlord to support a tenant.

The landlords will all loose their properties if that happens, the mortgages, taxes, and insurance all are paid via rent. It is not as if the rent is just some disposable income they can hand out to those not working.

Your neighbor has about 3 weeks to leave after the eviction process starts. The eviction itself will effect her for another decade, she would be wise to pay her rent and avoid it.

She has no ethical or legal right to deny the landlord their income.

They are no obligated to help. To be blunt, they are running a business not a charity.

Does this person have family or friends that might be able to help him/her out?

The apartment will eventually give notice of eviction. I think she have 30 days at the most

no they are not obligated to help tenant. they have mortgage obligations also to repay.

they can enforce lease agreement that was signed and evict tenants who cannot make payments as promised.

LOL...no. The landlords bills have not decrease...nor has his taxes.