To think you shouldn’t fully trust your landlord, even when things are going well

[WryJadeWren]

This isn’t about assuming bad intent, more about realism. Even when a landlord seems reasonable and responsive, the relationship is still a business one and their priorities can change quickly, especially if circumstances or finances shift. I’ve noticed that people sometimes let their guard down when things are calm, only to be caught off-balance later.

AIBU to think it’s sensible to stay polite and cooperative, but also keep clear boundaries and not assume goodwill will always last?

Indeed. And same when it comes to landlords trusting their tenants.

Anyone's circumstances can change in an instant, so I would be very cautious to trust even a good landlord - even one of 7 years 😒.

Of course, I’ve never known anything think otherwise.

Same with an employer. They don’t “care” about you, you are completely dispensable, and they’ll drop you in an instant if business/market factors dictate.

It’s a business arrangement for both sides. It’s unhelpful to think of it as anything more.

Is this about a particular scenario OP? Kve never known of anyone to have a less than business like relationship with their landlord x

Trust them with what? You can expect the to meet their obligations - especially if you have no reason to assume otherwise.

Not one specific scenario, more a general observation. I just think “pleasant” and “secure” aren’t always the same thing and it’s sensible to keep that distinction in mind.

Most definitely agree with this and about employers too. Never ever trust them, you’re nothing to them.

I mean trust in the sense of assuming today’s goodwill automatically means long-term security. A tenancy can be perfectly fine until circumstances change. That was really my point.

Exactly.
Similarly with employee/employe, it is all about business at the end of the day.

It doesn’t mean there can’t be goodwill on both sides though, I always had excellent relationships with all the landlords I have rented from.

Yes, divisive identity politics is …well divisive. Gone are the days of someone wanting to rent a property and someone else wanting to rent one out for an agreed price for an agreed time, it’s now some sort of class war where each side are encouraged to be at each others throats.

Completely agree.

I had a good landlord for years - rent was low and they sent handyman/plumber as soon as issues were reported. They only ever contacted me for the annual gas check but otherwise left me alone.

My worry was that they might die! Or perhaps a divorce, decide to sell up and move abroad etc. Any number of things could have happened in their personal life that directly impact me staying in "my" home. I'm relieved to own now even though the rented house was in a better area.

As opposed to what? Thinking you’re mates? This post seems like stating the bleeding obvious to be honest.

Yes I don’t understand your point. Things change on both sides and why would you ever assume anything else? Of course it’s a business arrangement and the landlord is going to put their needs first, as is the tenant.

Someone I knew rented from a friend /acquaintance when they were living overseas in long contract. They said even if they did return they'd buy elsewhere... Ans offered my pal to buy the house.

Fast forward 5 years... The tenants were imminently expecting to buy... So invested in new flooring /decor and a small extension... Almost 30k...all agreed by lanlord

The landlords discovered it was worth much more woth the market increase and the betterment my friends had done..

So the tenants couldn't afford the increased price... Some 75k above what was agreed.

Nothing was written down... 😱.

Madness!