Need a place to vent about my cheap tenants

[Wendy Jiang]

It's Friday afternoon and I need a place to vent...since I am preggo and can't drink wine now. 

My husband and I took over a duplex last year, with one unit occupied by a couple who had lived there for 16 years. Their rent is extremely low, at least $1,000/month below the market. The previous owner gave us some credit to keep the tenants for another year. 

Their lease will end on May 31. On Feb 12, all of a sudden, they told me they would move out in March. To be honest, I was relieved that I wouldn't have to go through the eviction route. And since they didn't make any trouble since we took over the property, my husband and I decided not to ask them to pay for any penalty for terminating the lease two months earlier than scheduled (even though the lease said so). We are also planning on returning 100% of their security deposit. 

However...

They started to inform me they would take the washer and dryer away because they bought them...and every time I got in touch with them, they would inform me of items they would take away because they bought them. Basically, they are taking away everything they can remove from the wall, including the gas range, fridge, vanity mirror, chandelier, washer, dryer, etc......

I know I could easily stop this, because they were there during the closing walkthrough and they didn't mention any of these items. I decided to let it go. Most of these items are very old and I would have replaced them anyway. 

I just want to hold a glass of wine and laugh about this. Since I can't, I am sharing the story here. I am glad they will be gone in a few days and I will be making the extra $1,000 every month. Happy Friday. 

[Wendy Jiang]

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Just remember how happy you'll be when they're gone, the property is updated, and you place good tenants that pay market rates. An extra $12,000 your first year will make up for every appliance and then some!

Toast for the extra $12,000/year!