As countless Torontonians have been left scrambling to pay their bills amid layoffs and pay cuts as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, rather than demanding rent or deferring payments with interest, one Toronto landlord has taken a refreshing approach to deal with his tenants – by telling them not to pay rent for the foreseeable future.
Chris Boyes emailed the tenants of his building toward the end of March, telling them not to worry about paying rent, even if they had the money available.
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"I know a lot of you have lost your jobs and are struggling. This is an unprecedented time and I know what it's like to have no source of income. I am fortunate to still have my full-time job, and I want to be able to help others," reads Boyes' email, which was shared online by one of the tenant's brother.
On top of not being required to pay rent, Boyes also offered all his tenants who were struggling to afford basics to contact him if they needed supplies like medicine or groceries that he could deliver, free of charge.
Boyes also urged his tenants who have not lost their jobs to put their money away and save it instead of paying rent. “Even if you are capable of paying rent, hold onto the money for your own good. We do not know what’s to come,” he wrote in the email.
"I really don't care about money right now, I care about you. Your health and safety is the number one priority. You shouldn't be struggling to find a roof for your family," said Boyes.
Of course, there are other landlords and property management companies in the city going the extra mile to help tenants who are struggling due to COVID-19. Here's to hoping Boyes’ generosity is something that inspires even more landlords in the city.
