#RentStrike

I have seen so many examples of incredible kindness and respect.in our province over the last two weeks.  People doing everything they can to help when they can.  Businesses using creative means to keep their businesses alive.  This is true of the local food truck to big corporations.  Everyone is trying to help one another.  We are all in this together, apart. It is not business as usual for anyone.  We are inspired by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Brent Roussin.  When asked when he was going to take a day off, he replied when the virus is over. There is absolutely not one business sector that is not affected by the virus, yet, they still are doing what they can to help others. 

Oh, wait.  There is one business sector that is not affected.  That is the large property management companies.  Business as usual for them.  Not the slightest reduction in rent or any willingness to dialogue with tenants for even the most modest relief.  They are only providing emergency service, which is understandable, however, they expect full rent.  Many tenants have outstanding repairs that are put on hold but they expect full rent with no exceptions. 

We already know that these corporations have a huge reserve fund to handle emergencies.  In case they haven't accessed the news, Manitoba has declared a state of emergency.  This would be an appropriate time to extend some sort of relief to their loyal tenants. 

I think most people could understand their positions if we saw them doing good for others.  At the same time that we are in a state of emergency, the big companies are still advertising empty suites.  Why not take care of some of Winnipeg's homeless population with these empty units.  I understand they are unfurnished, but atleast, it would be a warm space for people to shelter in place with access to a kitchen, and bathroom to practice good hygiene.  It would definitely help to flatten the curve.  Also, it would cost them virtually nothing since they are not collecting rent on those suites anyway.  I know it would require a leap of faith in humanity that people would be grateful and not damage their property.  I think it is fairly clear that Manitobans are rising to all challenges with grace and honour. 

When was the last time you heard of a Property Management Company doing anything for our community?  Do they donate any money to charity?  Why do they think they are the only business sector that does not have to help with the pandemic? 

The Manitoba government has banned evictions until May 31.  That is very helpful but likely just delaying people being evicted.  For renters affected by the pandemic financially, and virtually every renter is affected, that means that it is going to be difficult to get back on their feet once this is over.  To be faced with a huge bill for rent or eviction a couple of months later, will be a huge obstacle for renters, one that may never overcome. 

Once this is all over, many of us will evaluate what we all have done to flatten the curve or what measures were put in place to help.  Those that acted ethically will be judged accordingly and the loyalty to those businesses will help them have a running start towards recovery.  Property management companies that only cared about their own bottom line, will also be judged through an ethical lens.  My guess is that they will be busy serving eviction notices and trying to collect rent owed.  It won't be because of a #rentstrike, it will be because people literally can't pay their rent.  By not offering tenants a small reduction in rent, they will be creating a huge workload for themselves in the future.  Economically, they would be much further ahead to offer a small reduction in the front end.  In a pure economic sense, that makes much more sense for their bottom lines. 

As Lao Tzu says, he who obtains has little, he who scatters has much.  It is just common sense, and actually very good business sense.