An email sent to tenants from a Melbourne real estate agent has been slammed online after the agency referred to the Christmas period as “eviction season”.
The email, sent from Taylor’s Lakes Property Professionals, was meant to be a “timely reminder” for tenants to “prioritise paying their rent above all things”.
However, after screenshots of the email were posted online, many took to social media to criticise the agency.
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“Christmastime is also known in property management circles as ‘eviction season’ as so many people choose to use their rental payments for Christmas spending instead of ensuring that their family accommodation remains top priority over this period,” the email posted online read.
“We find this action very unpleasant for everyone concerned, and we all enjoy our Christmas much less because of it.”
The email went on to remind tenants to “pay their rent on time, every time” in bold writing.
The email caused a stir online after it was shared to various Facebook groups, with many describing it as “annoying beyond measure”.
“I thought this was a joke,” one person said.
“Somebody think of the real estate agents,” another added.
However, Taylor’s Lakes Property Professionals told 7NEWS.com.au they “didn’t intend on offending any tenants”.
“We would firstly like to apologise if the message has offended yourself or anyone you are associated with,” a spokesperson said.
“Unfortunately, at this time every year, we face the real situation where many tenants face evictions due to failing to prioritise paying their rent.
“It has become a recurring theme among some of our tenants towards the end of the year, when spending naturally increases in line with end of year celebrations.”
The agency went on to explain they serve the most eviction notices in the months of January and February each year.
“The email was sent out as a timely reminder without any malicious intent,” they said.