OP signed a 1-year lease for a townhouse in a downtown location and enjoyed living there despite being less pleasant than anticipated. The lease specified that the security deposit would be used for the last month’s rent and not held as a damage deposit. After a year with few problems, the landlord asked if OP wanted to renew and presented a 1-year extension for the same rent, which OP signed and sent back.
However, after waiting for two weeks and not receiving the landlord-signed version back, OP inquired with the management company, who stated that the landlord was angry because the rent wasn’t accepted on the first of the month most of the time. Despite OP always paying on or ahead of time, the management company requested an additional $100 per month on the extension to compensate for the inconvenience.
OP then found a condo in a similar location that was much nicer and cheaper than their current townhouse. Before signing the new lease, OP sent a certified letter to the landlord and management company stating that their previous signature on the new lease was revoked due to their counter-offer and could no longer accept it. They then signed the new lease.
With only ten days left on the existing lease, the management company and landlord called OP, freaking out because they wouldn’t be able to find a new tenant in time and would lose revenue. However, OP refused to help and instead hired a moving company, cleaned the old place, and returned it to the landlord in the same condition they received it.
No One Likes Landlords
People often dislike landlords and property management companies for a variety of reasons. These may include issues with maintenance and repair, communication problems, unexpected fees or rent increases, and concerns about unequal power dynamics between landlords and tenants. Additionally, some landlords may be perceived as exploitative or uncaring, particularly in cases where they prioritize profit over the well-being of their tenants. These factors can contribute to a negative reputation for landlords and property management companies, particularly among those who have had negative experiences.
Management Company Did Not Manage
Management companies are not known for having the best reputations for landlords or tenants. No qualification or accreditation board regulates them so that anyone can do it:
“It’s important to remember when dealing with either of them that landlord isn’t a job, and property management is a really easy field to get into. They don’t necessarily know what they’re doing or what laws apply to them. I’ve never worked with a property management staffer who wouldn’t have been fired from all my desk jobs.”
This commenter is experienced in property management and, by their admission, thinks there is a lack of talent in the industry. They sympathize with OP, noting that everyone except the OP handled the situation worse.
The Company Made a Mistake
Some more logical commentators noted that the process which led to the strange $100 charge on the OP was the fault of the management company:
“You pay early or on time, the management company hangs on to the money and is late giving it to the landlord, the landlord is upset at not getting his money on the 1st of the month, and somehow in the management company’s mind, this obligates you to pay extra to soothe the landlord’s feelings? WTAF.”
They realize that the management company made a mistake that they want the OP to pay for unfairly. This was the beginning of the end of the business relationship, which allowed the OP to come out on top.
Ultimately, everyone agrees that the OP was valid in their decision to do what they did. Taking advantage of the legal situation and being more aware than the landlord and property manager means they served true justice in one of the most satisfying ways possible.
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Source: Reddit