I’ve NEVER EVER expected any kind of gratuity from my tenants!
I think that would be HORRIBLE of a landlord!

If anything, I do try to go the extra mile for them, not only in maintaining the dwellings and property, but from my second (or is that third…) job at a grocery – I treat them to special things when I can – if there is something on sale I know they’d like, or if there is an overage of something that we get to bring home, I share it them.

I *have* had my tenants reciprocate courtesies – but that’s just what it is – neighbors exchanging courtesies – I’ve received meals from one tenant who is an EXCELLENT cook, and another tenant used to watch my animals for me when I went on vacation (and I’ve taken care of my tenants’ animals as well).

“..Largest portion…for least effort” – Well Al, that may be true for some places, but a really worth-while place to live is a LOT of work! And for me as a private owner, I’m carrying the Mortgage – most of my rent money goes to the mortgage; the rest goes to maintenance – preventative maintenance on a structure requires regular painting, caulking and repairs – routine wear-and-tear-and-age repairs, repairs due to weather impacts or insects – we have a terrible time with termites and carpenter ants… etc.

There is also equipment maintenance – I have to make sure multiple sets of hot water heaters and furnaces are maintained, and the yard maintenance equipment is kept in good repair – mower, trimmers, snow blower, shovels, etc….

It’s all the responsibility of owning a home, times the number of units that are owned.

But, then, that’s if you’ve got a good landlord….