Why I Would Never be a Landlord

Some people would have us believe that, with the exception of those who have military careers or vocations that require them to frequently move from place to place, most decent people own their own homes. I don’t subscribe to that point of view. I believe there are many decent people who either cannot afford to own a home or choose not to for whatever reason. These people almost always pay their rent on time. On those rare occasions when they cannot -- due to reasons beyond their control -- they will contact their landlord before the rent comes due. At that time, they will explain their dilemma and negotiate a grace period.

Unfortunately, however, a significant portion of modern renters consists of deadbeats and lowlifes. These are people who do not take their rightful obligations seriously and always have to be coerced into paying up. They avoid those to whom they owe money, hoping they will ultimately not have to make good on their debts. When finally tracked down, they will ask that their landlord “come back next week after I get paid,” even when the rent is owed this week. That’s why I would never be a landlord. I don’t need that kind of grief.