In response to Ed Blake’s March 29 commentary, “Renters have the odds stacked against them”:
As a landlord with 25 years experience, I have been on both sides of this issue, both giving tenants extensions on back rent successfully and tenants with no intention of paying back rent. That’s one reason the treble damage provision came into use, including tenants that simply refused to leave.
If you know moving is necessary, why would you stay in a property and potentially incur treble damages? This is one of several reasons evictions are sometimes an unfortunate necessity. I've never heard of or used the clause "concession fee" referred to by Mr. Blake.
Yes, there are unethical landlords just as there are bad tenants. Landlords who are not wealthy must budget for mortgage and a variety of other expenses. No rental income means the possibility of foreclosure then the bank evicts the tenant and everybody loses.
Landlords and tenants have rights and responsibilities. Expecting property owners on a budget to provide free housing is neither fair or realistic.
Finally, read and understand a rental agreement before you sign it. If anything seems unreasonable or excessive, simply say no thanks.
Leon Craig England, Salt Lake City