Unusual Accommodation Requests: Tales from a Landlord's Perspective
As a seasoned landlord, you often encounter requests from tenants that strike a unique balance between the reasonable and the strange. These stories offer a glimpse into the diverse and sometimes quirky requests that can arise, providing insights into the complex dynamics between landlords and tenants.
The Referral Bonus Request
One of the more memorable and creative requests came from a tenant who had recently fallen on hard times. His situation was dire, and he found himself unable to keep up with the rent payments. In a desperate attempt to avoid losing his deposit and breaking his lease, he approached me with an alternative solution.
‘Can I refer a friend to fill in my spot Or get a referral bonus if I find someone ASAP’
The tenant and his wife had undergone significant financial challenges. Initially, his brother moved in to help sustain the rent payments. However, this arrangement was short-lived as it ended in a physical fight. Both parties had to vacate the property, leaving the couple in a worse financial position. I understood their predicament and worked with them on a compromise.
Through a collaborative effort, we agreed that if he successfully referred someone to move in and sign a new lease, he would be eligible for his full deposit and a referral bonus. This turned out to be the fastest property turnover we had ever experienced. After their departure, the couple cleaned the entire property without any assistance. Their friend’s family moved in the very next day, maintaining the continuity of the tenancy with ease.
The Cat Moat Incident
Less than 24 hours after moving in, another tenant approached me with a peculiar request. She complained about a cat that was constantly jumping her fence to defecate in her yard. With a cheeky and pragmatic approach, I suggested that she might enjoy a 'moat' surrounding her property, which she could evidently not take seriously. Laughing to myself, I drove off to deal with more pressing matters.
For a tenant, this seemed like a reasonable solution, but it also highlighted their classic response to seemingly complex problems, a typical characteristic of those who struggle with practical solutions. Despite the humorous accusation, it's clear that we were both relieved to solve the issue swiftly and amicably.
The Colorful Bedroom Transformation
Occasionally, tenants request changes that seem more artistic than practical. One such tenant requested that her bedroom be painted in a luxurious mauve color and for one of the walls in the sitting room to be adorned with the same shade. With a keen eye for detail, she also paid for the new paint herself. This request, while adding a personal touch to her living space, was a testament to her creative spirit and attention to detail.
These stories illustrate the range of requests a landlord might face and how creative solutions can often lead to positive outcomes. From finding a balance in rental agreements to handling quirky requests with a blend of practicality and humor, these experiences make the profession both challenging and rewarding.