Scene: Hannah’s one-year lease ends next month. She likes the apartment but the rent is going up. She’s meeting Mr. Garcia, her landlord, to discuss renewal.
MR. GARCIA: Hi, Hannah. Thanks for meeting with me. Your lease ends on October 31st — have you thought about renewing?
HANNAH: I have, and I’d love to stay. I really like the apartment and the neighborhood.
MR. GARCIA: I’m glad to hear that — you’ve been a great tenant. I’m offering a 12-month renewal at $1,650 a month.
HANNAH: I see. That’s $100 more than I’m paying now. That’s a pretty big increase.
MR. GARCIA: I understand it feels like a lot. But property taxes and insurance went up this year, so I had to adjust.
HANNAH: I understand costs go up. Would you consider meeting in the middle at $1,600? I’ve always paid on time and never caused any problems.
MR. GARCIA: You have been an excellent tenant, that’s true. Let me think… I could do $1,620. That’s the best I can offer.
HANNAH: I appreciate that. $1,620 works for me. Would the other terms stay the same?
MR. GARCIA: Yes — same terms, same security deposit. The new lease would run November 1st through October 31st.
HANNAH: One question: the dishwasher has been leaking a little. Could that be fixed before I sign?
MR. GARCIA: Absolutely. I’ll send my handyman this week. I want everything working properly.
HANNAH: Thank you. When do you need my decision?
MR. GARCIA: If you could sign by the 15th, that would be great. That gives us both enough time.
HANNAH: I’ll sign this week. Can you email me the new lease so I can read it first?
MR. GARCIA: Of course. I’ll send it tonight. Everything will be the same except the rent amount and the dates.
HANNAH: Perfect. I’m happy we could work this out, Mr. Garcia.
MR. GARCIA: Me too, Hannah. Good tenants are hard to find — I’m glad you’re staying.
— THE END —