A Landlord’s First Duty; REI Philosophy!

[Nicholas J. Cammaroto]

Hi Everyone,

I've been in the REI game for a little over a year now, and have a philosophy I wanted your thoughts on.

We’ve all heard that old adage that “With great power comes great responsibility”- As “Landlords”, we have plenty of both. Think about it; We own the home that individuals and families make their memories in and live their lives in. People open Christmas gifts, have their joyful moments, build their families, and generally experience a huge portion of their lives under our roofs- the way I see it, we’ve got the power to affect that in either a positive or negative way, and the responsibility to serve their wellbeing. 

I believe that the first and foremost duty of an investor is to care for those who we rent to. I always say that service of others is the rent due for living in the world. We aren’t “Landlords”, we are property owners. “Landlords” preside over a place they let people use for money. Property owners facilitate the living of life in their properties-People CHOOSE to rent from us, and if we are slumlords or only in this for the money, they may not. 

In fact, If you're someone who rents out but doesn't feel a duty to your residents to care for their good and actively works for it, then you (in my opinion) don't deserve the fruits of REI.

Would love your thoughts!

-Nick