Greedy landlords can pull down communities.

It’s not uncommon for short-sighted landlords to raise the rent by 20% to 30% a year to satisfy their greed. Unfortunately, this is always at the expense of the whole community, not just the businesses involved.

Greedy landlords are straining their relationships because they are desperate. However, laws in Australia prevent evictions and allow tenants to get a reasonable extension or adjustment on their rent. As a result, the landlord sometimes has to take a risk that the business will catch up when the community gets back to normal.

Some greedy landlords want their tenants to pay rent regardless of the circumstances. Instead of showing empathy, some landlords demand that people use their savings to pay rent or even move out during times of uncertainty or adversity. A few have even resorted to threats despite businesses losing their income or having nowhere else to go.

Businesses don’t always have control over when they may have to do things, such as moving out of the community. They would probably have stayed years longer, but could no longer exist under the landlord’s demands. It is unfortunate as often they are older established businesses that have played a supporting role or mentored other companies in their communities.

As these mainstay businesses close, an essential piece of the community’s economic fabric is lost and, in many cases, never replaced. As a result, everybody loses, including the landlords.

When buildings are vacant, there is pressure to rent them to the first person who comes along. This is often done without consideration of the impact on the overall community and other businesses in the area. The landlord may make less money, and the local council may have fewer rates, but they do not consider the community.

When landlords refuse to provide some relief in times of adversity, you have choices.

Quotable quotes.

“The real answer to asking the right questions is simple; keep asking questions that get you the information and help you want and need”. Peter Sergeant

“One small change in circumstances could change your business and life forever”. Peter Sergeant