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.
;)
;)
