I am a Property Manager. The owner of every property I manage is my boss. While I treat all tenants fairly and honestly, I owe my fiduciary duty to the property owner.   This is not usually a problem. Usually.

Joey has been my tenant for over 10 years. He’s a good kid. We have watched him begin his career, get married, and start a family. 

He and his wife just recently welcomed a new addition to their family.  Unfortunately, the condo association where he lives says that baby is one too many for that unit and he needs to move somewhere bigger. 

A few days after this announcement, Joey asks to talk with me. He calmly and politely informs me that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is concerned that he will be late with his rent because he has lost some hours at work in order to get treatment. He is also concerned that he will not be able to afford a bigger unit.

I talk with the condo association about Joey’s health and financial concerns. To their credit, they agree that this is an unusual situation and that they will not pursue the matter for the time being. 

However, the owner sees things differently…very differently. He has financial difficulties and has decided to sell the unit. He is not concerned with the tenant’s problems. We are instructed to give Joey a notice to vacate immediately and we do as we are told. He is the boss.

We locate a small unit for Joey and his family. It is quite a step down from where he was, but he is grateful. The stress has caused his blood pressure to rise which in turn requires the suspension of his treatments. My staff requests authorization to use the company truck to help Joey move. 

Things go well and they are settled in their new home. 

The owner is informed that the tenant has vacated and the unit has been cleaned.  His response? “Good, go ahead and rent it again.”

When I can finally find the words to speak, I tell him that I will do as instructed. He’s the boss.

🔑 While we are required to treat tenants fairly and honestly, the Property Manager’s fiduciary duty is always to the homeowner, no matter the circumstances.