The last quarter of 2021 suddenly became difficult for Emily. Things had changed rapidly and left her under strenuous circumstances. Having a faucet replaced in one of the baths was not quite the priority anymore. 

Unexpectedly she lost employment. She had quickly and reluctantly dipped into her savings in order to pay rent while beginning a job search in earnest. Her savings were gone.

It was 2022 now and her path would become treacherous with so many immediate fires to put out – each a priority.

The economy in general had already embarked on a downward trend the previous year. Every day consumer prices now were rapidly (not slowly) increasing twofold stressing families in all areas. Household income wouldn’t go as far as it used to.   

The time had come for Emily to break the lease on the property she was renting. It’s not something a tenant ever wants to do. Certainly it can have a deleterious effect on someone’s credit rating in attempts to either buy or rent a property in the future.

In February she began an exit strategy and had contacted several apartment complexes. Suddenly I was hit with apartment managers emailing me for references on her. Easily I could have said, “Well she’s breaking her lease so how’s that for a reference?” Technically and legally that was accurate thus crippling any opportunity Emily had in securing a place to live. Or if she did have an apartment accept her, the deposit would double or potentially triple plus pay her first month’s rent – all of this upfront – a large sum of cash. 

Expected or unexpected, the decisions tenants make cause a chain reaction to property owners – a consequence that people seldom consider. Landlords have expenses too. Property taxes, upkeep expenses (including the huge unexpected expense the prior summer), it all adds up so it is crucial a tenant pays on time. That is well-known fact, but now isn’t the time for lectures. I informed Emily that in March I would reduce her rent while she got her things in order. She had enough going on and it’s best to try and reduce not add to the stress. Additionally I wouldn’t announce to the apartment complex that she was breaking the lease early. After that I informed her of several organizations that were offering rental assistance. 

After a long hiatus Emily and I were in constant contact again. Only this time the circumstances were different. Much different. 

She moved out quickly. As painful as it was I was left with no choice but to keep her security deposit. It offered no consolation for me or for her. Yet another reason why it’s never a good idea to become friends with tenants. I had always been aware of it.  Friendships are personal. Business is business. 

I was left with a brand new faucet, receipt intact, from Home Depot purchased in October 2021 waiting on the tenant or plumber to tell me they were ready. I never heard from either.