EFFIE BATEMAN | Lifestyle | Contact
A Betoota Heights landlord has today shown his softer side, confirming that he’s not always a capitalistic, greedy douchebag intent on using any opportunity to suck out every last possible cent from his tenants.
James Greer [62] had managed to snap up four properties across the span of three decades by using the equity on his first home, which went from being $130,000 to $860,000 in just twelve years. In comparison, James was earning $42,000 a year at the time he bought his first home, and now earns just over double that.
His largest property, a two storey six bedroom terrace house located in Betoota Heights, is prime real estate for uni students due to its close proximity to the South Betoota Polytechnic University and the sheer amount of Night Owls within walking distance. This means that James can charge a premium for the convenience and squeeze two tenants into the main bedroom.
Despite not being that affected by the rates increase, seeing as he was still on a fixed rate, James figured he’d be stupid not to increase the rent after the rates increase – which he did with a little bit too much gusto, charging tenants an extra $40 a week each (what are they going to do, try to find a new place ha).
But to show that he’s not completely heartless, James has offered somewhat of a compromise, by allowing the students to grow some veggies in the front garden as he understands ‘times are pretty tough at the moment.’
Jame’s generous offer was reportedly met with little enthusiasm, as the students went to work what ‘life luxury’ they’d have to sacrifice to afford the increase.
More to come.
