17/07/2026
Things escalated quickly, and it’s clear my sense of humour didn’t translate yesterday, so let’s unpack that. I owe everyone some context — and some accountability.
Yesterday I made what I thought was a light hearted post about people asking to negotiate rent because they consider themselves “perfect tenants.” It went viral, and not in the way I expected.
A lot of people read my humour as malice, elitism, or even unlawful intent. That wasn’t my intention, and I can see now that my wording didn’t land the way I meant it to.
In this economy, people are understandably sensitive about housing and affordability. I’m living in the same economy — hoping my 21 year old Mazda with the check engine light on will pass its WOF, juggling my own obligations, and doing my best like everyone else. I would never mock someone’s ability to pay rent. That fear is real, and I know it personally.
My humour is how I cope. As a GenX, late diagnosed neuro spicy human, I sometimes miss the mark and don’t realise it until the comments section is on fire. This was one of those times.
Some people interpreted my joke as “soliciting tenants to pay more rent,” which is absolutely not what I was doing. I can see how the phrasing created that impression, and that’s on me. It was a flippant remark, not a request, and certainly not an attempt to pressure anyone. Tenants can offer more rent if they choose — that’s simply how the law works — but I wasn’t asking for that. I should have been clearer.
If I were saying it again, I’d phrase it safely and plainly: “You can offer whatever rent you like as part of your application; we will consider it.” Not funny, but definitely less explosive.
The real point I was trying (and failing) to make is that when someone calls themselves a “perfect tenant,” their definition often doesn’t match the landlord’s. Asking for a discount doesn’t make someone bad — it just means our criteria aren’t aligned yet. Peace of mind does matter to landlords, but we usually need to see it in practice before reflecting it in rent reviews.
I’ve had many genuinely perfect tenants — modest, responsible people who hold themselves to a high standard and never call themselves perfect. I’d choose humility over bravado any day.
I also want to be clear about something important: I genuinely want to educate tenants. Not in a patronising way, but because good information helps people secure the homes they want. I see so many applicants who are doing their absolute best but have been given advice that doesn’t match how the process actually works. If I can demystify things, reduce stress, and help people present strong applications, that’s a win for everyone. Education is one of the few tools that makes the housing process less intimidating and more empowering.
I also want to address the broader perception that landlords and tenants are on opposing teams. I don’t believe that. I work hard to make homes warmer, more comfortable, more affordable, and more environmentally responsible. I try to operate in partnership with tenants, not in competition with them. I’m a real person doing my best, and sometimes that includes saying something stupid that doesn’t land.
So yes — I’m taking ownership of my poor choice of words. There was no malice, no prejudice, and no unlawful intent. Just humour that didn’t translate and a reminder that online, context gets lost fast.
Not all landlords are right wing a holes. Some of us care deeply — and sometimes we mess up publicly while trying to be human.
