To rent increase or not to rent increase? That's the question plaguing property investors with long-term tenants. This candid conversation dives deep into the emotional and financial complexities when loyal tenants face market-rate rent adjustments after years of below-market rates.

We explore what happens when the honeymoon period ends—that moment when landlords discover they could be earning $100+ more weekly and decide to bring rents closer to market value. Property managers find themselves in the crossfire, negotiating between landlords seeking fair returns and tenants who've grown accustomed to their rental bargain.

The discussion reveals fascinating tenant psychology: how minor maintenance issues suddenly become urgent complaints post-rent increase, and the curious "short-term memory" phenomenon where years of below-market rent are quickly forgotten. We examine how COVID changed the landscape, with many landlords showing exceptional empathy during difficult times, only to face resistance when eventually adjusting rents years later.

Most revealing is our breakdown of landlord types: established property owners (often baby boomers) who prioritize tenant relationships versus first-time investors who "can't afford to be empathetic" with mortgages breathing down their necks. This distinction creates fundamentally different approaches to property management and tenant relations.

Whether you're a landlord trying to decide between "cozy cash flow" or maximum returns, or a tenant wondering what goes on behind the scenes in rent negotiations, this conversation offers valuable perspective on navigating rental relationships in today's challenging market. For property investors, the takeaway is clear: maintain high standards, communicate thoughtfully, and find the balance that works for your investment strategy.