Then the question is will they start offering incentives and who can hold his breath the longest.

*breathes deep*  Okay here goes, I need help. 

Take a breath and contact them on the 1st if you still need to.

And the tenant admitted that if the owner didn't waive the rent, it'll take him a year or two to catch up, with the landlord breathing down his neck all this time.At the time this happened, I had a tenant who lost his job, voluntarily moved to his friend's place, and had to discard all his belonging's after failing to sell it.

But in the same breath its kind of simple.

Apologies if it seems naive - but I am hoping to glean some practical info. from you people living and breathing this side of the business. 

In a perfect world......But I wouldn't hold your breath and I'd be surprised if there's anything more than sympathy for the criminal, much less punishment or a fine they will never collect anyway. 

Don't breathe the dust.

Take a breath.

If you have one that has commission breath, find yourself another agent.In addition to the market knowledge, a good agent will know how to negotiate the best possible deal for you.