Deadbeat Tenant: Chapter 3

Over the last few months I've been the unintentional recipient of an email exchange between a landlord and his deadbeat tenant.

Cast of Characters
Kandi... as deadbeat tenant
Jan... as cc'ed co-landlord
Ricky... as God-fearing landlord


Yesterday Ricky threatened Kandi with legal action.  Kandi happened to just start a second job and promised to pay $700 toward her outstanding rent by Friday, April 27th.

From: Ricky
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 11:50 AM
To: Kandi
Cc: Jan
Subject: Re: Rent

Kandi,

I greatly appreciate the response. Basically, that's all we're asking for, communication. By the way, I'm Ricky, not Mr H., that's my dad's name.

If you feel like you can get your finances worked out to the point where we can get more consistent on the rental payments and take care of the past due situation, then you're welcome to continue to rent the townhouse. Like I said, Jan and I both know what it's like to face difficult life situations and we're more than willing to work with you, but we need you to work with us as well. If, however, you have made up your mind that you're ready to relocate, then please confirm your intentions in that regard so that we can begin advertising the townhouse in pursuit of another lessee.

I would not expect you to seek help from your employer if you are honestly awaiting your tax return for use in rectifying the past due rental payments. We just want to make sure that you're making an effort to satisfy the situation and ask that you keep us posted in that regard. Again, we are willing to work with you and we are not out to make your life more difficult, but we have to have communication in order to do so.

Again, thank you for the response and the update on the rent. Please advise us on your intentions regarding whether you want to get current on your rental agreement and continue to live in the townhouse, or if you intend to get current and vacate the property. Either way, Jan and I will work with you so long as you agree to keep us informed.

Should you have any difficulty contacting Jan, you now have my personal email address. My cell phone number is 205-937-xxxx. You can call or text at your convenience.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Ricky

Deadbeats unite:  we found his soft side!  This is certainly worthy of a rare same-day reply.

From: Kandi
To: Ricky
Cc: Jan
Sent: Mon, Apr 23, 2012 2:33 pm
Subject: RE: Rent

Thank you both so much.  And I do fully intend to take care of the previous rent.  Me and the girls are happy at the townhouse, I just know you probably do not have much trust in me and I would totally understand if you were looking for someone else.   I so appreciate your willing to work with me, It was never my intensions to make it hard on you.  I will keep you updated on my tax situation which I hope to have soon.  Also I will send a regular payment on Friday.  Thank you again, I really do appreciate your kindness.

Hope you have a good evening,

Kandi

How sweet is is!  Let's share a group hug.  No need to exchange any more of these nasty emails this week:  the rent is on its way.

Until it's not. 

Interestingly, the landlords wait several weeks before contacting Kandi.

From: Ricky
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 11:22 AM
To: Kandi
Cc: Jan
Subject: Fwd: Rent

Kandi,

I've attached the string of emails that you and I exchanged over a month ago. Can you explain why we haven't heard anything from you regarding rent payment, past and present?

Looking forward to your response.

Ricky & Jan

Surely there's an easy explanation for the delay.

From: Kandi
To: Ricky

Cc: Jan
Sent: Thu, Jun 7, 2012 12:35 pm
Subject: RE: Rent

Ricky and Jan,  I have been out of the office and I apologize.  I actually sent you an email last week but our computers went down and we did not know which ones actually went and what we lost, I’m sorry you did not receive.  I was telling you that I would be sending the payment to reach you by the 10^th.  I am still waiting on my money, I am also gong to try and pay some extra each time also to help make up the past.  I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch as much as I should.  I have been out a lot with my daughter Courtnie,  still having some problems there but not trying to make excuses. 

Thank you and I hope you are both doing well.

Kandi

Oh... the computers went down.  Good thing you're paying us on the 10th.  Just a few more days.  Stay tuned...