Tenant and contract question

[Robin Brown]

So my partner has a tenant in her flat, she also self manages the apartment herself. Recently the tenant wanted to negotiate a new deal and go month to month with a reductions due to COVID stuff down here in Melb.

The contract was these two options.

Stay on a 6 month lease for $320 pw

or

Month to month at $340 pw

Tenant has taken month to month - It has been 4 months. The tenant has now decided she would like to stay until Jan or longer. And wishes to pay $320 in rent instead of $340 and would like to be reimbursed the 'extra' she paid the previous four months.

Obviously I feel that's a bit foolish as just because you have changed your mind you signed at that price, a new lease will now need to be signed and negotiated but no reimbursement.  How would you handle this situation?

[Account Closed]

I have similar problems with our plumbing and construction customers where customers negotiate, agree to a deal and then try to change the deal so they for something selfish that benefits them and with no concern or regards for your welfare. This is what I tell my customers. When we agreed to the deal for $340 per month when we do business we intend to honor our agreement through thick or thin and through any hardships we incur. At the same time, we are expecting that since you agreed to pay the $340 then, just like myself, I expect you to honor your agreement. And...that is the absolute truth. People on both sides of a deal need to honor their agreement and they don't get to change the agreement, down the road, because they decided they want more benefits than they are entitled to.