I (28M/F) own a small apartment that I’ve been renting out to a tenant (40M/M) for the past 4 years. When I first rented it out, I was living with my parents because their home was much closer to my workplace, and it made financial sense back then. The tenant has been paying a very low rent, at the time, I set the rent low because I didn’t need the income as much, and the tenant seemed very reliable, he works as a doctor in a nearby hospital. Recently, I decided I want to move out of my parents’ house and live in my own apartment. I’ve been feeling like I need my own space, and since I already own this place, it makes sense to move in. The problem is, the tenant’s rent is so low that I can’t afford to rent another apartment for myself with that income. I’d either have to raise their rent significantly (which I don’t think would be ok, because whenever I mentioned this to him he always wanted to decide on a lower price) or ask them to move out so I can live there. Last week, I told the tenant I’d need the apartment back in a few months so I could move in. I gave them 90 days’ notice, which I thought was fair since it’s more than the legal minimum in my area (60 days). They got upset, saying they’ve been a great tenant, always paid on time, and it’s hard to find another place at this price. They also said they’ve made the apartment their home now and didn’t really want to move out. I feel bad because they’re not wrong, they’ve been a good tenant, and I know rents are crazy high now. But at the same time, it’s my apartment, and I can’t keep living with my parents just to subsidize their rent. I’m torn. On one hand, I think I have the right to live in my own property, especially since I can’t afford another place with the rent they’re paying. On the other, I feel like I’m screwing them over by forcing them to find a new place in this expensive market. AITAH for asking my tenant to move out?
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I (28M/F) own a small apartment that I’ve been renting out to a tenant (40M/M) for the past 4 years. When I first rented it out, I was living with my parents because their home was much closer to my workplace, and it made financial sense back then. The tenant has been paying a very low rent, at the time, I set the rent low because I didn’t need the income as much, and the tenant seemed very reliable, he works as a doctor in a nearby hospital. Recently, I decided I want to move out of my parents’ house and live in my own apartment. I’ve been feeling like I need my own space, and since I already own this place, it makes sense to move in. The problem is, the tenant’s rent is so low that I can’t afford to rent another apartment for myself with that income. I’d either have to raise their rent significantly (which I don’t think would be ok, because whenever I mentioned this to him he always wanted to decide on a lower price) or ask them to move out so I can live there. Last week, I told the tenant I’d need the apartment back in a few months so I could move in. I gave them 90 days’ notice, which I thought was fair since it’s more than the legal minimum in my area (60 days). They got upset, saying they’ve been a great tenant, always paid on time, and it’s hard to find another place at this price. They also said they’ve made the apartment their home now and didn’t really want to move out. I feel bad because they’re not wrong, they’ve been a good tenant, and I know rents are crazy high now. But at the same time, it’s my apartment, and I can’t keep living with my parents just to subsidize their rent. I’m torn. On one hand, I think I have the right to live in my own property, especially since I can’t afford another place with the rent they’re paying. On the other, I feel like I’m screwing them over by forcing them to find a new place in this expensive market. AITAH for asking my tenant to move out?
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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:
> 1- I asked my tenant of 4 years to move out
2- rents right now are really high around my area and it’s not easy to find a new apartment
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Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.
NTA. You gave been subsidizing a DOCTOR’S (meaning highr income earner’s) standard of living. Don’t feel guilty. The gravey train needs to end.
INFO: What does the lease say about notice to vacate?
NTA Don’t engage just reaffirm that it’s not his place but yours, and you are giving him plenty of notice, far more than required. Best he does not squander that time. It’s not personal you are just wanting to move back into your own apartment.
NTA. Double check what the lease says about giving notice. If he’s not in the middle of a one year term or something, you are completely within your rights to give him whatever notice the lease calls for. Alternatively, if the lease allows for it, you could increase the rent to “market value” at the end of the term (again with notice) and perhaps be able to afford something different. But if the lease allows for 60 or 90 day notice, I’d do that and, if he’s not out, start the eviction process (which will likely be expensive and awful and take forEVER). An eviction would look GREAT on his credit report.
NTAH, add up the difference between what they’ve paid over the years and the market rents for an equivalent apartment. That’s how much of a “favor” you have done them. You are the opposite of an asshole. They’re gaslighting you
NTA – you have been more than kind and considerate. As long as the lease allows, I would make it clear that X date is the date that he needs to leave by. It is NOT his home and while he is a good tenant, that does not pay the bills. You need to stick to this and if necessary engage a lawyer.
The guy’s a doctor, he can afford to pay more rent somewhere else! He’s had cheap rent in a nice place for four years. Does he really think the apt is his for life just because he’s made it his home? (Duh, we all do that whether renting or owning.) He said he really doesn’t want to move out. So what? What about what you, the owner, wants???
You want to move in, and you own the apartment. It is that simple. Continue with your 90 day notice, make sure you’ve got all your documents in order, and make him move out as per the notice. Good luck for a great life in your own apartment! NTA
NTA, but if he has a lease you can’t kick him out in the middle of the lease (for no good reason). You have to give him notice before the lease ends that you won’t be renewing.
Info: when does his lease go until?
NTA. You are not screwing them over. They’ve gotten used to your generosity and your failure to allow the rent to rise with the market.
You need to live there. Everything else is an unfortunate consequence of that need. But it belongs to you and you’ve been very generous in giving your tenant a 90-day notice.
It’s your place and you should use it, you’re absolutely correct, but it’s still worth addressing how guilty you feel. You don’t owe your tenant this, but could you consider 6 months? That’s very generous. Perhaps enough to make you feel better about it? 4 years is a long time to settle in emotionally. Again, you’re doing more than enough as is. This is just a suggestion that may make you feel better about your decision. Best of luck to you. NTA.
NTA their feelings, which they can be entitled to, are not your problem. You need the apartment. As long as you comply with the legal requirements to terminate his tenancy, what he thinks doesn’t matter. Of course he will grumble because he wasn’t planning to move but that’s what happens when you rent. You can’t make everyone happy all the time.
NTA and try not to feel bad. Anyone paying below market any where will be upset with you. It is your property and you can live in it if you want to.
Tell him he was a good tenant and you will gladly give a reference (if he does not become a dick about moving) but you want to live in your apartment now. He needs to find another place. Also stick to the 90 days and if it looks like he will not leave start eviction proceedings. And keep track of all the notices you serve him.
NTA You have every right to your apartment and he should be grateful for the time he has had it. He will get a culture shock at what it is going to cost him elsewhere but he already knows that.
NTA. You have every right to not renew at the end of his lease. Or you can say “if you’d like to renew your lease, the new rent will be $xxx amount” and raise it so you can live elsewhere. Apartments near me raise their rent between $150 and $250 every year with renewals.