Adding more zeros doesn’t make it any less dishonest
One thing I don’t understand is how people who would consider taking a tenner stealing will happily relieve you of several hundred pounds. Does adding a couple of zeros turn everyone into shysters? Is the almighty buck that important?
I’ve been moving house recently. It’s not my choice: the woman from whom I’ve been renting has got married, and she and her new husband want to sell their flats and buy a house together. So far, so good. I’ve been renting from them for two and a half years, and everything’s been fine. I’ve kept their flat in good shape; they’ve taken care of the appliances that have broken down.
They’ve already started the sale process. The notice period on my lease was one month, so there was no point in me being obstinate, and I’ve been very accommodating with the estate agents, viewings, and surveys.
I told them that I was going to start looking for a new place. They told me that, under the circumstances, they were willing to waive the notice period, and that they would be content with a couple of days’ notice before I moved out.
I found a lovely new flat, paid my deposit, and went about moving, keeping my previous landlords informed.
Yesterday, I handed over the keys, as arranged. I had paid my rent by standing order from the 8th of the month. I moved out on the 22nd, almost exactly halfway through the month. We agreed that they would refund me the deposit plus the unused fraction of the month.
Today, they called me, said that they had misunderstood, and that they had assumed that I would let them keep all the unenjoyed rental period.
Why would I possibly do that? I’m no charity!
We agreed to meet halfway. I’m in a weak position here because they already have my money. I thus end up paying a quarter of a month’s rent for nothing. It’s better than paying half a month’s rent for nothing, though.
What is it that lets people rip you off for large sums so easily, without any compunction? I despair at humanity.
2009-04-23 21:56 UTC. Comments: 9.
Graham Ashton
Wrote at 2009-04-23 22:23 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
It’s at times like this that I like to think that karma will get the bastards. Eventually. If it exists. Which it probably doesn’t.But still… they’ll get theirs.
Paul Battley
Wrote at 2009-04-23 22:37 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Linux:
I like to think that I can always help to grease the wheels of karma.Alex MacCaw
Wrote at 2009-04-24 06:38 UTC using Safari 528.16 on Mac OS X:
Well, you did have a verbal contract with them.Hard to enforce though, probably best to get it in writing next time.
However, I’m not sure how valid it would be as there’s no ‘consideration’ for them – a contract needs consideration both ways.
srboisvert
Wrote at 2009-04-24 11:40 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows XP:
Use the extra time on your lease.Post your flat as available unfurnished for a tourist to rent.
They save, you get cash back and your landlord can’t really do anything about it.
SirronTM
Wrote at 2009-04-24 21:07 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Linux:
People see money differently depending on the context; when it comes to accommodation, a hundred here or there doesn’t seem as much as losing a tenner to a dimwitted checkout operator. Speaking from experience, I recommend against a mad revenge scheme involving photoshop.StuartA33
Wrote at 2009-04-25 00:00 UTC using Firefox 3.0.9 on Windows Vista:
They will try it agin with somebody else, and hopefully will get what they deserve!Steve
Wrote at 2009-04-27 15:46 UTC using Firefox 3.0.8 on Linux:
Sounds familiar. I’ve moved a lot, and more often than not the landlord tries to earn a little extra on the occassion.In general they succeed, because they are familiar with the legalese and often have a lawyer at hand.
So, when doing business, you really have to do every single bit in writing. Also, I joined an associations for tenants (Mieterverein) where you can get legal counseling. I don’t know if there’s such a thing where you live.
Neil Trodden
Wrote at 2009-05-04 18:20 UTC using Safari (Mobile) 525.20.1 on Android:
What exactly were they waiving here then? Were they planning on imprisoning you in the flat even if you paid the final month?rak
Wrote at 2009-05-09 21:40 UTC using Mozilla 1.9.1b5pre on Mac OS X:
I agree with srboisvert, get the tourists in!Reminded me of this New Scientist piece on how money messes with your mind, “it hurts more to lose £50 than it feels good to win £50”