Tenant reveals landlord's generous gift amid rental crisis
While landlords have been in the firing line in the last year, one Queensland tenant only has nice things to say about hers.
Australia is in the midst of a punishing rental crisis, and with it, resentment has been brewing. Landlords and tenants have increasingly found themselves in ugly disputes, with the former often attempting to justify rising rents while the latter say they simply can't afford it.
But not all relationships are frayed and amid all the horror stories, there are landlords looking out for their tenants. Queensland renter Fiona says her experience with her landlord has been a joy, and their generosity has been warmly welcomed.
The single mum this week received a $100 gift card from her landlord as an "appreciation" for looking after their home. She'd recently received the news her landlord was looking to sell his property, but he ensured Fiona they'd be able to stay through Christmas and said he was hoping to find a buyer who'd continue to lease the property to her.
"I got a gift card a couple years ago too because it was for sale once before, and he appreciated me keeping it immaculate and letting someone come through," she told Yahoo News Australia.
Respect from both tenant and landlord can make relationship 'easy'
Fiona, who began renting after the breakdown of her marriage, says while she believes she's been lucky with her landlord, respect from both parties can go a long way in maintaining a civil relationship when renting.
"I treat a rental like my own. I cut trees to protect guttering, I fix small things myself and just look after the property," she explained.
"If there’s open communication and respect from both sides the relationship between the landlord and tenant can be very easy and positive."
She said knowing she'll likely never own her own home again she strives to be a model tenant at her Maryborough home.
Last month, a Melbourne tenant documented a bottle of wine they'd received from their landlord after a hot water issue at their home. While the act was widely praised, some questioned whether it was sufficient compensation for the inconvenience caused.
While Fiona's situation is positive, there's no hiding from the current crisis.
Australia's rental problem has led to a market overpopulated with people looking for a property. Such a scenario has experts concerned renters are settling for substandard conditions at inflated prices, a scenario that grants landlords all the power in negotiations. CEO of the Tenant's Union of NSW Leo Patterson Ross says renting needs to be treated as an essential service and more regulation is needed.
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