I never received the security deposit that was on its way to me from the couple in Canada who wanted to rent my condo for 3 months next winter. I expected it would take 10 days due to having two holidays that would interrupt the mail: Canada Day on July 1 and July 4th. At the same time the couple wasn't communicating with me, when I would expect to be receiving all kinds of questions... What's in the kitchen cabinets? What amenities are nearby?
Nothing.
And yet I spent two full days crafting an 8-page lease with lists of contents and other extras. I sent it by email as a PDF. I expected questions or changes or deletions.
Nothing.
Then I did get an email saying they had asked Canada Post to hold the check, and that they had scheduled two surgeries that would prevent their coming to the US.
Okay. So my hopes for a rosy future were dashed and they have the benefit of a well-crafted lease for free.
That seems to be the way it's been working for me. I do free work, trusting I'll be compensated, and then I'm left with nothing for my effort.
Not going to do that anymore. Money upfront, please.
I've since offered my condo to another couple, but they want a bigger, fancier, newer place than mine.
I get the message. People with money don't want my small and economical home... even though they can't find anything else to rent because inventory here in Florida is almost non-existent.
I'll figure out another way to make ends meet.
