The Dream Tenant
Posted on September 11, 2006 - Filed Under Philosophy |
When I first started out, scores of people told me that dealing with tenants would eventually kill me. I know three people that got the "tenants from hell" when they tried their hand at "landlord-ship" oh so many years ago.
During my search, people told me that I was being too picky. I would dismiss people for the tiniest little reasons. "Oh you have three large dogs and a small pot farm? Gee, I’ll give your application the consideration it deserves."
Then my tenant came along. On paper, she was perfect. But one item that paycheck stubs and credit checks can’t tell you is personality. Or their reactions to stressful situations.
My tenant has endured a complete plumbing breakdown, my entire kitchen remodel, and a gas-line disruption. The plumbing problem lasted for two weeks; the gas-line was for two and a half weeks; the kitchen was at four months. She never once complained, never threatened to withhold rent. Actually, she diligently paid her rent on time and in full.
If she had chosen to withhold rent, I would have been stuck. Yes I could file legal paperwork but what would that have done? By the time we got a court date, the problem would have been fixed and I would have had my rent check. In the meantime, paying bills on just my salary would have been difficult, if not impossible.
But nope, she’s been a real trooper through this entire mess.
To thank her for enduring this mess, and not making my life a living hell, I decided to say "Thank You" with a gift certificate from Best Buy. When I was in her house, I noticed that she’s a movie buff.
It’s the least I can do.
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