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MY HEART IS BROKEN - SHATTERED IN PIECES!!

Well, how does one deal with a broken heart? I'm sure there are many recommendations, largely stemming from one's personal experiences. But this is different! This is MY heart. And I'm not liking the feeling at all!!

What, exactly, broke my heart?

I got one of those "Dear Landlord" phone calls. You know ... the one that starts with something like, "I've been putting off calling you because I wasn't sure how you would take it ..." Well! I'll tell you how I'll take it! I'm accepting it.

You see, last April (of 2008) we rented one of our little houses to a beautiful young couple. Bright, engaging, polite, clean, mature and just downright good people. Young graduates and professionals. She a journalist, he an engineer. The world is their oyster.

And that's the rub.

It seems that with the declining economy in Toledo, Ohio that these two young people have had to seek out another area in order to secure careers in their chosen fields. I mean, why go to college, study hard, get terrific grades and graduate proudly if you aren't going to be able to use the knowledge you just learned?

So the dreaded phone call came. She has found an exciting career opportunity in another city and has already moved down there to start her new job. She's staying with her sister for now. He is still in Toledo where his company has moved his assignment to the new destination, too.

Naturally, as responsible young adults, they are concerned with breaking their lease and the impact that will have on their ability to rent another house as well as the potential for damage to their credit.

The $64,000 question that they have is, "What do we need to do to remain in good standing, but not have to pass up great professional opportunities?"

The $64,000 answer? Simple - give me a date you need to move and we'll work it out. I'm not going to try to throw a wrench in the plans of these kids. That would not be fair.

So, after several phone calls back and forth we have worked it out. And I'm heartbroken, but so proud of them for pursuing their dreams. They are hardworking kids and deserve a chance to have a good life. I would be a real schmuck to try to hold up their dreams for the likes of 3 months rent.

My offer to them was that the house be ready to be occupied by February 1, and that they cover January's rent since they aren't sure exactly what day will be his last day in Toledo. That was about as fair as I could get.

And, because they have been absolutely wonderful tenants ... I wrote them a letter of recommendation to take with them on their search for a new home so that there would be no question as to why they broke their lease.

To me that was just a small gesture - a way to say thank you.

This is the body of the email I received this morning. I almost cried. I really wish they could make a go of it in Toledo. I hate to lose them as tenants.

Hi Carol,

Thank you so much for being wonderful throughout this situation. Jesse and I are both really appreciative of your help.

The letter of recommendation went above and beyond your call of duty as a landlord and I am extremely grateful to have it!

We are also sad to go, no matter how hard I look, I cant find a better kitchen!! And of course you were an awesome landlord to have. You will be missed!

Thanks again Carol! -Jessy

This is the kitchen that she fell in love with ...

I'm going to miss them, and while my heart is broken ... I can only wish them the absolute best in life.

And I can only hope that other landlords can be as fortunate as I have been to have tenants like these kids.

Concept Builders, Inc.

Carol Smith, Sales Associate

Shamrock Valley

1913 Guinness Drive

Graham, NC 27253

Office: 336-228-7975

Cell: 919-418-6549

csmith@conceptbuilders.net

Posted by Carol Smith on 12/13/2008 12:11 PM

Comments (73)

toledo oh, tenants, rental property

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73 Comments on MY HEART IS BROKEN - SHATTERED IN PIECES!!

DEC

YOU are amazing!! You are also an example to the rest of us how to live and do business. I'm so proud to call you my friend. You are giving these kids the help and encouragement they need to move forward...instead of holding on so tight and focusing on what you are losing. Did I say that I'm proud of you? The truth is that THIS is exactly what I've learned to expect from you. THIS is one of the many reasons that I LOVE YOU! ~GBU~ (I'm praying that He blesses your socks off!!)

DEC

Do you believe in good karma? Reap what you sow? Pay it forward?

If so, you will probably be rewarded by having another good tenant....or your former tenants will be kind and thoughtful to their next landlord.

Keep thinking good thoughts.

Carol,

You will be blessed for doing the right thing, helping others is always the best way. And the couple will always have pleasant thoughts of you.

Carol, I can imagine how nervous they were to tell you and I can also imagine someone elses reaction that could have had an entirely different impact. I think you did a wonderful thing for them and I too believe all the good things you do in life come right back to you! You're such a wonderful person--this is truly about giving.

Carol - Getting to know you lately, I wouldn't have expected anything less. You are a class act. I would have done the same thing if I were in your shoes.

I want that kitchen too! You DID go above and beyond and not many would even stop to think the way you have. What a nice story and a tribute to your caring about your tenants.

That was nice of you Carol. You did the right thing. I'm sure some good karma will come your way for it.

Their names are jesse and jessy -- how unusual.

What a nice thing to do! I'm sure it will come back 10 fold. The biggest lead of my life came from a $750 per month lease. You just never know how it will benefit you in the future!

I'm sure you're disappointed to lose good tenants, but it sounds like a mature way to deal with the situation. Another tenant will be lucky to have you as their next landlord.

You sure have a tender heart Carol. People like you are so rare, bless you my friend, you are a gem!

Carol,

Be careful, you will give landlords a good name. It is nice to hear your bitter sweet story, but it is a sign of the times. I have 4 college children and am blessed to have them still living and working in the area. I can't imagine what I will do when they get that great transfer offer, but I do know that I hope their landlord will be just as understanding and wonderful as you have been to that young couple.

Mike Nastri

YEAH, YIPPEEEEE, WOW, KEWL...HOOOOORAY!!! You well deserved this feature, mi amiga!! ~GBU~

These situatuions are very hard and a lot of people are hurting right now including real estate agents. But it is only money. It is isn't cancer, it is money. They are lucky you are so willing to work with them, and they will be fine.

Carol - What a sweetheart you are! And what a charming story. Thanks for sharing. (I'm originally from the Toledo area so it makes the story even more fun)

Hi Carol,

It is so very good of you to let them out of their lease. I have certainly come into contact with landlords who were not as kind to others!

Good for you for spreading some holiday cheer!

Don't forget me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC!"

Michael

(949) 753-7900

Carol, my husband and I have rentals as well. When the tenant is upfront and works with us, we work with them as well. I've even hired some of them to clean up or whatever in order to help them pay their rent. In this day and age, it's the least we can do.....;-) Good for you Carol...I would have done the same. ;-)

Carol, you may have lost great tenants but you have built a friendship that will last a life time. I think you are a wonderful person. Sometimes the graphic for submitting comments is so appropriate for the post and comment. This one is "love-in-a-mist" funny huh.

It is the down side of being a landlord, you always loose the good ones and wish to get rid of the bad ones... Good luck to them and you with the next tenant.

What a great way to handle it. Sometimes the right thing to do can't be found in a lease or a contract... only in your heart. I'm sure you'll find a new great tenant.

Carol - I love your heart! And those young tenants seem to be a prime example of responsible human beings. Here's the rub...

you just displayed genius in humanity. It sometimes sucks in the short-term but I do hear that it has its perks... in of itself:)

landlords are struggling in this market too and a tenant needs to hold up their end of the bargain. i am a landlord and am in the exact same situation. i am working very hard to find replacement tenants for the current tenants who wish to break their lease. tis the middle of winter and a tough order to fill--the reason we have leases is so we can avoid situations like this...if i cannot find an acceptable replacement they need to pay out their lease..i have a family too!

I have been there too! If people keep the house clean and do right by me I have no problem helping them out. It's always hard to let a good tenant go, but it sure is easier than having a bad one who you have to evict and then they trash your place!

You absolutely did the right thing...it warms my heart to know that someone cares about more than just money!

It's good to read a nice post about tenants. Normally we just hear the horror stories. .

Eli - I've been on the other side of this coin and it's a horrible feeling to have to deal with a landlord that refuses to be human. When my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer and my mom wanted me closer to help her with him, my landlord was an absolute *&(^*^%. Finally came down to me saying "then do what ya gotta do." It didn't have to be that way.

Pacita - I do believe in karma. And I also believe in the Golden Rule. Life is too short to be a jerk about everything. Thanks for your kind words.

Mary - I appreciate your kind words. These kids come to NC for a family reunion every summer. I'm hoping they will stop and visit next summer. They are truly great kids.

Carole - They were nervous, but only because their old landlord was a true terror. I knew the guy and he demanded top dollar for really cruddy housing. These two were always up front, never late and always willing to help if there was some little odd job that needed done around there. If they did the work, I'd give them a credit on their rent. I don't work for free, so neither should they.

Jason - Thank you. But treating people fairly should not be a 'notable event' it should be the norm.

Sally - These kids were the first tenants in this house after a total gut job. The kitchen had never been used. LOL Heck! I wanted that kitchen! Mine was much smaller. Thanks for your kind words.

Tracy - My mom always said "what goes around, comes around." And if that's the case ... that's ok with me. Thank you for your kind comments.

???? - Yes - he is Jesse, she is Jessica. And they are just adorable together.

Jeanne - Someday I will sell them a home - or at least make a solid referral depending on where they settle in the long run. And their good experience is always good for word of mouth referrals in the future. Never hurts to pave a road with a solid foundation.

Margaret - I am truly disappointed, but at the same time I'm also happy for them that they will be able to pursue professional careers without worrying about a bad shadow following them.

Steve - Thank you. I just treat people how I would like to be treated.

Mike - If I give landlords a good name, then I've done my job. LOL But don't get me wrong - I've had my share of deadbeats too. And they are very difficult to deal with and try to stay civil. Especially when they duck and dodge your calls and letters and then when you do catch up with them they threaten you, destroy your property, etc. --- all because they were irresponsible. One tenant a few years ago had a $650 deposit, and when she left I wound up with a $8,000 repair bill. Hardly evens out at that point.

Eli - Thank you my dear friend. God blessed me with you.

Jean - Many are hurting right now, and it would serve no purpose to inflict more disruption to life by being a hardhead about this. It's a great little house, near the lake and has a 2 car garage (which is rare up there). So it won't take long to rent it out again. Only took 3 days when they found it originally.

???? - Thanks for your kind words. But the one thing I do stress to potential tenants is this --- don't ever mistake my kindness for weakness. If they are fair and honest with me, then that's what they get in return. Life is much simpler that way.

Michael - Thank you! And I'll keep you in mind!

Teri - I have another tenant right now that just lost her job. We have agreed that she will receive a rent reduction in exchange for cleaning the other properties as they come availble and for taking care of some other things for me in Toledo. It's a win-win.

Lisa - The day they moved in I met the whole family - both sides. Parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, etc. It was like a family reunion - complete with food! Really great kids - from very supportive families.

Mary S - Truer words, my friend. LOL Thanks for your kind comments.

Bridget - Leases/contracts are a good thing, but so is a little flexibility in life. It's counter productive to be unbending. Eventually you break.

Jason - Heart? I have a heart? Ahhh - that's that sound echoing in my head. Since I'm here for the long haul, the short term detriment is minimized. Thanks for your kind words, my friend.

Shiva - I realize that landlords are struggling, but to be a jerk in all this would have been an expensive and tiring exercise. I could take them to court and demand that they pay the balance of their lease, sure. But it would cost me a few hundred dollars and the expense of traveling back to Ohio for court dates. Add those amounts together ... I would have spent probably $300 in order to make a point. I can re-rent it a lot quicker and with a lot less headaches. I hope your landlording experiences improve as it seems as though you have had nothing but bad experiences.

Lauren - Give me ONE that does the right thing and I'm happy. It's the 3:1 ratios that make us pull our hair out in the rental home business.

Good for you. I'd have done the same thing.

What you did was smart people-wise and business-wise. Your decision will come back to reward you many times over. You certainly helped these kids, and as we all know, it's tough to get started for everyone. Good for you!

Carol - there you go again, "do the right thing" and be a blessing to others and you will be blessed.

List and Sell (and Santa is gonna be extra good to you this year) Gary @ RentonHomeFinder.com

As a fellow investment property owner, we understand. We take pride in providing quality housing to great people. When some of our tenants left, we were sad too. It is great to participate in that. It is not just for business, but we get something out of it as well. As obviously you do too !

You both did the right thing--life is so simple when everyone reaches a bit to help another. Hope you get another really good tenant.

You were so kind. I am sure they will appreciate this and it will set a good example for them if they one day become landlords.

If you do one nice thing for everyone you meet, just once, think of how many nice things will happen to you as you end up on the recieving end! Money gets you from there to there, its not the goal.

That was wonderful for you to do. It does no one good to be mean to people in this economy.

Marcy Moyer Intero Real Estate Menlo Park Ca

First of all, nice kitchen. Okay, great kitchen. What you did was how it should be done especially when you've got such great tenants. You're blessed already.

Carol my friend - Good things will happen to good people and you are at the top of the list of those that are good people and you have a wonderful heart. This too shall pass my friend.

???? - Thanks for your kind words.

Carole W - It just didn't seem right to hardnose these kids. They have a legitimate reason to need to leave, so to be other than understanding ... well, it wouldn't make sense.

Gary - I am blessed every day - in many many ways. Thanks for your kind words.

Christopher and Stephanie - It is a business, but even in business there has to be room for flexibility and change. Otherwise the business becomes an albatross. Thanks for your kind words.

Diane - It's so much easier when everybody works together to resolve any situation.

Joan - These two are very bright kids, and I just know in my heart that they would have afforded the same consideration to someone else if they were the property owner. It was just the right thing to do.

Kevin - The money can be nice, no doubt. But if you think about it .... have you ever seen a Brinks truck following a hearse?

I love it when people put "doing the right thing" over doing what they are legally allowed to do. Good for you for not standing in their way. I wish you all the best of luck. Happy Holidays!

I hope you will have no trouble renting the place right away. It was a generous thing you did for this young couple and her letter shows that she appreciates it.

Colleen - The "legal thing" is not always the "right thing" in my book. These kids need to be encouraged to succeed, not start adult life with a sour taste in their mouths. Merry Christmas!

Tammy - I believe it will rent quickly. It's a cute house, fully renovated in a wonderful area. You can walk to Lake Erie from the front porch. It will all work out. God has the plan - I'm just the apprentice.

Hearts like yours are the ones that help to heal all the broken lease horrible stories and bad reputation for landlords. Your wonderful energy (and cute kitchen!) will attract another gracious tenant, I'm certain.

Way to go Carol! When we were a young couple with a 15 month old child, we found ourselves in nearly the same situation EXCEPT our landlord was heartless. He kept our deposit and harrassed us to no end. We left the place spotless. Later he had horrible tenants and the house was badly damaged by termites...You reap what you sow! You've planted good seeds for a good harvest. God bless you!!!

What a beautiful post. It's so nice to hear a good landlord situation even though breaking a lease is usually not something any landlord looks forward to.

Praise god for your kindness and understanding. I truly believe that when you give you get and I'm am sure you will see something wonderful come from this kind act.

Phyllis Pafumi

Carol, you did the right thing. Our leases state that tenants may terminate a lease if they move out of the area, and that makes sense.

I would be more heart broken with a non paying, destructive tenant...so cheer up...your reward is on the way.

I truly believe that acts of kindness and compassion such as this always come back around to you in a different form.

So not only can you enjoy the warm and fuzzy of knowing you helped someone.....you WILL be rewarded in some way!

Thats MY belief and I am sticking to it!

Merry Christmas! Debbie

Carol, there is nothing better than great tenants! When I have one leave, I ask them to help me find someone as great as they were, and sometimes they do! It sounds like you are amassing some very good landlord karma.

What a wonderful story. It's obvious that there was a lot of mutual respect, and that's the way EVERYTHING should be. I wish you luck finding a replacement tenant who is as thoughtful and caring as your last folks. Of course, the law of attraction says that your genrerous personality will never find anything less.

Good luck!

Carol how way beyond considerate you are. This young couple is bound to remember and hopefully do for others just as you have done for them.

Mara - Thanks for your kind words. I'm sure this will all work out for the best. There's a reason for everything that happens - and so it goes.

Sara - I've had a couple of really nasty landlords and they have always gotten back what they gave. Life is too short to be nasty to people without cause.

Lola - Breaking the lease was technically a biggie, but I couldn't feel good about trying to throw a wrench in the successes of these kids. I just placed it all with God and followed His lead. What better way to resolve an issue?

Phyllis - Actually it seems that just her email has made such a difference to me. It's not hard to be nice to people. It takes so much less energy as opposed to being a jerk.

Simone - my leases don't have a Termination Clause, but I always encourage my tenants to just talk to me. There's nothing that can't be worked through. It's all about the communication.

Debbie - If I were in their situation I would have wanted someone to understand my side of it. So I just walked in their shoes for a few minutes and had my solution. It's a simple process, actually.

Carol, Good things happen to people that do the right thing. Thankfully, you had great tenants and thankfully, they had a great landlord! I hope you get another wonderful renter. You deserve it!

Carol, You're so lucky to have responsible renters. I hope you find another couple to fill your loss...

Thanks for sharing your information with all of us! Active Rain is just such a cool website!

DEC

Carol~ You are so kind. If only more people thought like you. You are a blessing to others and I am sure you are appreciated. You can never go wrong by always doing the right thing. Most landlords would hold their feet to the fire... Thank you for being so kind!

Carol,

You are an awesome landlord. But what to do if we are not landlords, but agents managing the property for a landlord, and none of the leases survives even 6 months.

Elizabeth - They have been wonderful tenants. And I'm so glad that they were there for this short period of time. I'm sure there is another good tenant out there - now to find them ...

Paul - Thank you.

Sandy - AR is the best, by far. Thanks for your comment.

Vickie - Thank you. I've always felt that i'm supposed to leave a positive mark on the world, and I'm trying very hard.

Jon - I can't speak to that situation as I've never been there. Perhaps it's all in the presentation and the subsequent contacts. I don't know.

Carol,

I want to surround myself with people just like you! Don't you know that these kids will talk about you for a very long time. You did the right thing. God bless you and your business.

Mike in Tucson

Carol: Thanks for posting this story as a reminder of how people should treat each other. I completely agree with the other posters who have said that this is good karma...Some how, in some way, these people will probably figure in your life in the future.

Carol, you are a class act. It makes me proud to hear these stories from fellow KW agents ( soon to be I guess ). I grew up in Toledo and found your story to be enlightening.

Mike - Thank you for the beautiful compliment. I just hope that when they are reminiscing about where they started in life that they have a positive moment when it comes to living in this little house.

Jennifer - Karma is a wonderful thing, but the inner satisfaction I hold knowing that, in my heart, I did the right thing is most important to me. Thanks for your wonderful wishes.

Dan - Thank you. And yes - I'm a 'soon to be' KW agent. As soon as I can master this darned NC test. LOL If you grew up in Toledo you know that sometimes people can be a little brusque, at least by appearance. Thanks for stopping by! Don't be a stranger!

Morning Carol, I still believe that good things happen to good people. Looks like all of you meet that threshold ! Happy Holidays !!!

You did a wonderful thing, and the right thing for sure. How nice you wrote them a recommendation letter - I would have done the same. I hope you rent your property quickly to equally great tenants!

I say good job to the parents.

You have done a good thing! Not all people would do the same. I believe that you get what you give in life and I hope you get back tenfold what you've just done for this young couple. God Bless you!

Very professional and caring Carole, you really can't out give it will come back to you 100 fold.

Bill - Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you!

Sharon - The letter was the least I could do. They need to be encouraged to grow, not encouraged to be negative.

Unusual - Exactly! Great point!

???? - Thank you! And God bless you too!

Missy - Thanks! Giving is a very good feeling.

THat was very generous of you. You built a relationship with them out of the kindness of your heart. KM

You are genuinely a good person!

What a sweetheart you are, Carol! Sometimes doing the right thing costs us money but makes us sleep better at night. You made a huge impression on this young couple and I'm sure they truly appreciate it. God bless you richly.....

DEC

Kristin - Thank you. And i do believe this will be one of those long-term relationships. :)

Linda - Thank You!

Eileen - I prefer to think I left a good impression on their hearts instead of something negative or fearful. Thanks for your kind words.

Carol! I'm including this in our first ever NC Week in Review (shoudl have it finished this morning!) Hope the exposure helps you get it re-rented!

Good landlords are hard to fine. I know a couple of landlords that would have stuck to the lease, so sad.

Maybe one day they will call you asking you to refer them to an agent to help them locate a house for them???

Eleanor - Thank you! That's so very kind of you!

Chad - I'm sure I will hear from them again. They are just "that kind of people" when it comes to things like that. Thanks for your kind words.

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