I never set out to become a landlord. It just sort of happened. One minute I had a house to sell, and the next, I was dealing with tenants. Little did I know that this new role came with unexpected responsibilities beyond mere property management. My tenant roster included a diverse mix of characters, each with their own quirks.
My first tenant, let’s call her “Miss Emotional,” seemed to think I was her personal therapist. She would call me at all hours to discuss her cat’s digestive issues, her tumultuous love life, and her existential dread. I quickly learned to balance between fixing leaky faucets and giving pep talks. I became a counselor with a toolbox, a hybrid role I hadn't anticipated.
Then there was “Mr. Always-Late,” who tried to pay his rent in homemade cupcakes. As delightful as they were, cupcakes weren’t exactly legal tender. His approach was charming but ultimately impractical. I had to gently remind him that rent needed to be paid in cash or check, not confectioneries.
In the midst of all this, I developed an appreciation for the unpredictability of being a landlord. One day, I was fixing a burst pipe, and the next, I was listening to a tenant's deep-seated fears about the future. If you’re considering becoming a landlord, be prepared for more than just rent checks and repair calls. You might find yourself doubling as a part-time therapist, complete with all the emotional rollercoasters that come with it.