Michael - That is a very kind gesture.

You have the problem of an Oral discussion vs Oral contract vs a written contract.This is a sad case as both of you made mistakes; you orally made a suggestive remark which he took as a promise.IMO, you ought to pay him for his time+effort and refuse the rent change.You better start documenting who said/did what when, make the good will gesture, and try to stay out of Small Claims.

It is a small gesture, but can be quite meaningful to tenants.

Hoping the goodwill gesture of not increasing the rental rate as previously planned convinces them to stay longer than 6 months.Good luck to you in this business!

@Tina Tarkington, I really like the idea of making a nice gesture to your tenants around the holidays.

I thought my nice gesture would pay off, but I'm starting to doubt it. 

This goal can be achieved in a number of ways, including the use gestures, pictures, spoken word and written word.We have rented successfully to English speakers, limited English speakers, and non-English speakers.

I'm retired with time on my hands :-) Sue,Just wanted to let you know that's an extremely nice gesture. 

They really appreciate this gesture and it really does help get everyone on the same page when it comes to running your unit(s).I would also politely explain to them what type of cleaning standard you are desiring for your unit and maybe even discuss how your previous PM had your unit cleaned (if you are going from one PM to this new one).  

Stephen:I would accept the gesture and see where it takes you.The court system has a very patriarchal bias of tenants and often expects little more from them you would a 12yr old ... it can be a frustrating and painful experience as a landlord (an I am told Ontario is worse in this manner than here in the east).