Welcome to my Lessons in Leasing Series. A series of stories that highlight life and business lessons for the average rentpreneur©, from the prospective of a learned squire who is often tasked with defending landlords (or in some case taking them to task). Happy reading!

In which a proprietor has a problem

In the serene pages of real estate, a landlord’s journey unfolded, echoing the classic story of moral exploration found in literature. Our protagonist, let’s call her Mrs. Bennett, owned a family home in an exclusive neighborhood, her home a coveted haven. Little did she know that the winds of change, like a classic tale, would soon sweep through her property.

As the COVID-19 pandemic cast its long shadow, Mrs. Bennett found herself grappling with the twists of fate. The rental market, once desolate, now burgeoned, and the value of her property soared to heights previously unimaginable. In this metamorphosis, her tenants, having moved in at a reduced rate during the pandemic’s tumult, suddenly found themselves in the crosshairs of a landlord facing a dilemma.

Mrs. Bennett, eyes bright with the potential for great gains and armed with only cursory knowledge of newfound landlord-tenant laws, saw an opportunity to regain control. A formidable challenge lay ahead though as her tenants, model occupants who never faltered in their payments, became unwitting protagonists in this unfolding drama.

A plot AND a problem

In a misguided attempt to orchestrate their departure, and subsequently instate a wealthier class of home connoisseurs, Mrs. Bennett played her hand with an astronomical rent increase. Hoping for a swift exit, she shocked her loyal tenants with an increase more than 20 times their normal rate! However, the tenants, aware of their rights, resisted the pressure to panic and flee. Giving their landlord the benefit of the doubt, that such a change in terms must be a mistake, they questioned first the notice and then the legality of the exorbitant demand.

Undeterred, Mrs. Bennett delved into questionable advice, contemplating the ruse of reclaiming her home for personal use. Yet, the intricacies of state law, however, proved a formidable obstacle, requiring a lengthy 90-day notice period. A wait she was not prepared to make when it came to future profits.

The turmoil of tenacious tenants

Frustrated and impatient, Mrs. Bennett took matters into her own hands, orchestrating a dramatic move-out scene on a weekend morning. The tenants, resilient and well-versed in their rights, resisted, leading to a fateful call to the police. The intended resolution took an unexpected turn as the tenants, now armed with grounds for harassment, emerged victorious. They swiftly contacted a squire who proved more interested in justice than titles. Like a noble knight she dispatched of Mrs. Bennett’s misguided ruse.

The moral of this modern-day parable echoes through the ages: Follow the law, be a decent human being, and recognize the symbiotic nature of landlord-tenant relationships. While the right to make a living is paramount, tenants who abide by the rules deserve respect and fair treatment. Straying from the path of legality proved a costly misstep for Mrs. Bennett, who found herself legally barred from her own abode and burdened with the repercussions of her actions.

In the grand tapestry of real estate and human interaction, the enduring lesson remains clear: Act justly, be gracious, and treat others with decency, and in doing so, secure a harmonious and prosperous existence for all parties involved.

Now dear reader, if you think this is a tale of frustration by the author, on the contraire; rather this is a tale of one who sought justice and crossed the picket fence. Understanding that a lord of land who violates the law makes all others in the land suffer. Thus, to protect the interest of all who rent property, this author is amongst a small number who have committed to metering out correction against those who violate the principals of the profession.

While we write this in jest, for legal advice tailored to your situation, consider reaching out to our esteemed law firm. We are here to guide you through the intricacies of property law with the utmost professionalism and respect.