We're in a people business and there are some stories that you're glad to be a part of. Yes, we catch a lot of grief in this business at times but at other times, you help people.

About seven years ago, one of my first roomers was a lady and her eight year old daughter. She came to me from a women's shelter and needed a room for her and her daughter. Her husband had died and although I didn't get all of the details, it apparently was traumatic. She and her daughter lived in that room for about 2-3 years and then moved into an apartment I had. She had another daughter from another relationship who she was paying support for that she was able to get and move in with her once she got the apartment. She was so happy to have both of her kids with her under one roof. Between the room and the apartment, she's been with me for around 8 years or so. She always had a couple of jobs and over the past few years she was able to secure employment with the local transit company as a bus driver with good pay and benefits. She's come a long way. I get a text from her today giving me notice that she's moving. When I ask her why, she tells me she just got engaged, needs a bigger place and will be moving in with her fiancé but has someone who will replace her in the apartment. Here's some of our conversation:

Me: Congratulations! I'm sorry to lose you but am happy for you at the same time. When do you think you'll be moved out? Have the person text me.

Tenant: Aww thank you..I didn't wanna leave ur like family been almost 8years..u saved me and daughter..thank u ...I gave them ur number already trying for Jan 1st

Me: Well, I'm proud of you and wish you and your family all the best

I always maintain professional distance, but I'm truly happy for her and I'm glad to have played a small part here. I always say I'm not a counselor so I can't and won't get involved in things beyond providing housing, but you can never underestimate how much of a big deal housing is to stabilize the lives of people. Of course, they have to put in work also which is what she did.

As the Rooming House turns.

That's great to hear Karl. I've had this happen several times and they're often moving because they bought a house of their own. It makes up for the few turds I've had to deal with. I usually don't take referrals from tenants, but I'll consider referrals from tenants like these.

Congrats, there are happy endings that we get to share sometimes.

I've got a gal right now who has been renting one of my cheapest, 1 bed units. Always paid on time, cooperative, polite, and if there were any issues she'd let me know. She gave notice last month (after almost a 2 year tenancy) that she was moving out to buy a house, and I even got a contact from her loan officer to get references so I know that part is legit.

Happy to have helped her get an inexpensive but cheap, safe, functional place to live while she saved up toward bigger goals. I think if more tenants approached their stay like that, the amount of evictions would drop to near zero, and I'd be pleased as could be about that.

Our business can be a great one at time. Congrats to you and your tenant of 8 years!

That's a great story.

Thanks for sharing it.

Those occasional warm-fuzzies are precious.

Great news! Hope that it works out for her.

The last tenant I had move out needed a bigger place. Well she needed an additional bedroom. She got a smaller place but more rooms. 14 year old and 2 year old. My 2 bed apartment wasn't cutting it.

If I have a bad reference and DQ them it is none of the ex-tenant's business. However I can always say that I did a free criminal/civil check on them.

FOIA all the way!

What I have found is that the really good tenants will not send a bad prospect to you. Usually it is a new person at work or a friend's friend. But they tell me that up front. I accept all applications either way. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't.

Congrats Gman!

Good to know nice guys CAN finish first!