I May Be Nice, But I'm Not Stupid | Live and Love...Out Loud

I May Be Nice, But I’m Not Stupid

There are a few things you should know about me:

I am fiercely devoted to my husband and children.
I will not tolerate my husband and children being mistreated.
If necessary, I will defend my husband and children to the death.
I may be nice, but I’m not stupid.

Apparently, our landlords here in Georgia didn’t get the memo.

Today we informed them that we’d be moving to Missouri on August 15th – just two short weeks away. Out of good faith and due to the urgency in which my husband was hired for the new position, we voluntarily offered to pay for the next two months’ rent. That’s 60 days notice, folks. We’re talking about $2,600.

They’re upset and so are we. But for very different reasons. Listen, I understand that it may be difficult to find new renters. I can appreciate that. The economy isn’t what it used to be and renting their home out is a business. I get it, but I don’t get how it’s okay to treat people in a condescending manner.

We’ve dealt with more issues while living in their home than I care to list right now, but we’ve been patient. We’ve tried to be as understanding and accommodating as possible, but they crossed the line when my husband spoke with them via phone this evening.

To make a long story short, my husband was spoken to in a demeaning manner. In so many words we were called deceitful liars. We were made out to be terrible people who planned to cheat them out of rent money. Voices were raised and tempers were short, but I remained calm.

Until I heard the word “attorneys”.

I totally became undone. Honestly folks, I crossed over to the dark side. I yelled at the female half of our landlord duo as my husband cradled the phone against his chest while pleading with me to calm down.

I’d had enough.

No one calls my honest, hard-working husband a liar on my watch. And no one - I mean no one – speaks to my man in a condescending manner. Ever.

I’m not having it.

Oh and they’re more than welcome to call their attorneys. Though they may want to think twice, given the fact that earlier today my little girl fell into the hole that they failed to fix per my original request in October 2009.

I may be nice, but I’m not stupid.

33 Responses to “I May Be Nice, But I’m Not Stupid”

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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alana, Kristi Bonney. Kristi Bonney said: New Post: I May Be Nice, But I'm Not Stupid http://tinyurl.com/2fbruun [...]

Melodie (9 comments) twitter: @bfmom

I’m so sorry you are going through such an awful situation right now. We went through something similar when we sold our house privately and the new owner of our former house called us at our new house to tell us we’d lied to him about something we did not. He got a lawyer, we went, and we won. Where is the trust in the world? It makes me very sad.
Melodie´s last blog post – Vegetarian Foodie Friday- My “I’m-Too-Tired-To-Cook” Pasta

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

You know, I asked my husband the same question yesterday. I may be a bit naive, but what’s wrong with expecting others to be kind and honest? Just because the rest of the world is dishonest, doesn’t mean that I have to get used to it. Thanks for stopping by Melodie. Hope you’re having a fabulous week.

Maya (139 comments) twitter: @MarfMom

Oh man. I’m sorry if they do go that route but they do NOT know who they are messing with. They are going to lose. I hope they change their minds though, so you don’t have to go through all of that.
Maya´s last blog post – NoGoBlogHer Blog Hop Party

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Tell me about it! These people really have their nerve. We’ve been good tenants. Never late with our rent. We take care of their home. We report any problems right away. And…we’ve voluntarily offered to pay 60 days rent though we’re leaving next week which is in essence giving them 60 days’ notice – even though our previous lease expired and we’re no longer under contract. If you ask me, they’re just great big jerks! lol Thanks for stopping by and listening to my rant Maya. Have a great day.

Claudia (24 comments)

oh wow – i hear the lion roar – love it when people stand up for others!!
but still hope you can find a peaceful solution for both parties
claudia
Claudia´s last blog post – 160 – hey cowboy!

dysfunctional mom (34 comments)

I hate that you’re going through that, but I love to see the Mama Bear come out! I am much like you….sweet as pie, but don’t cross me, and especially not my family.
I hope it all turns out in your favor…and I have a feeling it will!

gigi (36 comments) twitter: @gigi927

Kristi, I’ve been there with landlords and that really sucks. I’m sorry you’re going through it. It sounds like your offer to pay 2 months rent was more than generous. I hope it all works out.
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Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks Gigi! I hope things work out too. I don’t plan to take it lying down, that’s for sure! Thanks for stopping by. Hope all’s well in your neck of the woods.

Sara R-The Millennial Housewife (18 comments) twitter: @hawkfan5

Wow, considering you offered to give them 60 days notice – I would say you are more than fair. Unbelievable. But, like you said, this is their business. Did they think that you guys would live there forever? They must be overly concerned about gaining any new business, as they should be from the sounds of it. Good luck to the next person who rents from them!
Sara R-The Millennial Housewife´s last blog post – Get all the deals in your city!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Tell me about it! I pity the next renters. I really do. I’ve never had an experience like this before. My previous landlords were all fantastic, but these people are just bonkers. Thanks for stopping by Sara. Have a great day.

Jen (76 comments)

Look out, Mama Bear has been poked with a stick and she IS NOT HAPPY!

I kinda feel bad for your landlords, I really do. ‘Cause they gotta deal with you.

Go get them.

Shell (22 comments) twitter: @shellthings

Go, Mama Bear!

The Drama Mama (145 comments) twitter: @writesidemama

Say what? WTH? You offer to pay 2 months rent and they are still being assholes? (Pardon my Greek). I hope lightning strikes em where the sun don’t shine. You go, girl.

BTW, I have something for you.

http://therealpoopsie.blogspot.com/2010/08/ending-is-near-awards.html
The Drama Mama´s last blog post – Guest Blog- You Cant Help What You Love

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Yup! Can you believe these people? I just don’t understand them at all. We’ve been really good tenants, as always. We pay our rent on time, report problems right away and take care of their home. Our lease expired and they still haven’t brought a new lease for us to sign but we voluntarily offered to pay 60 days rent. Seriously, I don’t know what’s wrong with them. *sigh* Thanks for stopping by Drama Mama. Hope your week is shaping up to be a good one.

Carina (1 comments)

Go get ‘em!

Nancy (14 comments) twitter: @WhispersInspire

I’m exactly the same way when it comes to my family. Though not my best or proudest moments, I’ll get ghetto on anybody who demeans my fam, especially without provocation! Soo, good on you for defending your rights. You’ve put up with enough.
Nancy´s last blog post – It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Hannah (22 comments)

Amen, sister! I am the same way and would have done the same thing! I hope you work everything out without lawyers! Good for you for defending your family! I hope you have a great week!
Hannah´s last blog post – Five Question Friday!

liz (155 comments)

Good for you! Don’t take it lying down!
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Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks Liz! I prefer sitting anyway. lol

KLZ (64 comments) twitter: @TamingInsanity

Oh, no she didn’t. They’re getting two months rent and they’re still acting like you….it’s a disappointment sure but to threaten….oh, I am so very angry.

Let’s get together and yell.
KLZ´s last blog post – Like giving Meth to an Meth Addictbut Legal

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Yell? Sure, let’s do it! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Thanks, that felt great! Have a great day KLZ.

Momma Drama (15 comments) twitter: @mmdrama

Oh no! I hope they’re just upset and will calm down soon!! I’m not sure how it is in Georgia, but if your outside of your 12 month lease (renting month to month) you only have to give them 30 days notice… I’m not sure of your situation or state, but if you were there October ’09 it will be 12 months in 60 days, so your fulfilling your lease. We’re currently fighting to get our deposit back on the last house we rented and they’re the ones that made us move, so they could live in the house again. It’s such a headache and you don’t want to have to drive back down to Georgia just to take them to small claims court! Oh, Lord. I feel for you. I will be praying for ya’ll that everything works out!!! I really will
Momma Drama´s last blog post – When Did My Kids Grow Up

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Oh my goodness! I’m so upset for you. It’s bad enough to be asked to move so they could move back into their home, but to hold your deposit hostage as well? Ridiculous! I’m hoping that our landlords come to their senses and start to act right. Our lease expired and we don’t have to give them 60 days notice, but we’re doing it anyway. Because we’re good people. Oh and FYI…they’re not. lol Thanks for stopping by Momma Drama. I hope we both get some resolution soon.

Lindsay (11 comments)

Good for you for standing up for your man (and for offering two months rent — seriously, how many people in this economy are going to do that?)! I have a feeling this will all blow over and things will go your way without any lawyers entering the picture. They were probably just stressed out and trying to milk you for whatever they can get — shame on them for not being grateful for your advanced notice and rent.
Lindsay´s last blog post – My very first award!

Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

Thanks Lindsay! I wish my landlords thought like you do. You’re absolutely right…who in this economy offers 60 days advance notice when they don’t have to? I hate how money and greed make people evil. I’ll never understand it. Anyway, thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

Kristie (3 comments) twitter: @misskrisnu

Ugh, what a bummer! They were totally out of line in my opinion. No respectful landlord(s) would treat their tenants that way.

Good for you for standing up. I definitely don’t tolerate anyone bashing my family, either.
Kristie´s last blog post – Back to school shopping – hassles &amp headaches

Uyen (55 comments)

wow, does this sound familiar to me or what? Except it’s reversed for me….I’m the landlord and my tenant decided to move out because they couldn’t afford the rent anymore. But they lied and cheated their way out of the contract, and did not offer to pay 2 months rent…in fact they decided to just pack up and move and paid us zero! So yes, I took them to court and what do they do? They countersued me for attorney’s fee?? WTF??? And yes, we are still going through the lawsuit as of now. Geez, I would be sooo happy if i even had a renter like you. Sorry you’re going through this Kristi….
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Kristi (3460 comments) twitter: @TweetingMama

That’s terrible Uyen! I can’t believe people treat others that way. Seriously. Your former tenants are awful. I’m flabbergasted that they up and left without paying and have the audacity to countersue you for attorney’s fees. What is wrong with people?!? I really hope things get resolved and work out in your favor Uyen. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

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[...] to the “Show Me” state next week. It’s been a bit stressful to say the least. Our landlords have treated us unfairly and said some not-so-nice things. Add to that the burden of moving a family of six from [...]

BLOGitse (17 comments) twitter: @BLOGitse

Emotions, emotions…
It would be so much wiser to keep emotions out of the discussion but it’s difficult.
When emotions rules it’s not good.
I’m frustrated about our situation here in Casa but I try not spoil my feeling of things I can’t do anything. I can’t change other people.
It’s hard but only way to ‘survive’.
I do hope you can solve the problem in peace.
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Maira Grove (5 comments) twitter: @MaiGrove

So sorry to hear you are going through this… My husband and were just in court on the 4th with our prior land lord because he allowed the house WE were renting from him to go into foreclosure without letting us know while WE were still paying him $2000.00 rent every month. Of course we were forced to move within a weeks notice because HE didn’t have the property listed as a rental and he made off with our $4000.00 deposit as well!!! (This sounds like an ONHD post) We sued, won, got our money back but it was tiring and stressful. I hope everything works out for the best for you and your family.

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[...] think that after spending the last twelve months living in the House from Hell and dealing with less-than-stellar landlords, I would’ve been head-over-heels excited over leaving. That couldn’t be further from [...]