In a kind and impressive show of holiday spirit, a Virginia landlord, Travis Johnson, has done far more than expected. He surprised his tenants with a big break from money worries just as the holidays were starting by waiving two full months of free rent, giving real financial help to the people renting from him.
Besides managing his rental properties, Johnson also runs Homebridge Health Care Co., a home renovation company. He owns 12 rental homes, all located in Portsmouth, Virginia. His decision to give up two months’ rent was a personal one, rooted in his life experiences.
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Johnson, who has been a landlord for eight years, said his choice was deeply inspired by his own past struggles with keeping a stable home.
He explained that he deeply understands the pressure and difficulty of having to “stretch every dollar” and the financial stress many families deal with, especially during the expensive holiday season.
“I know what it’s like to have a housing crisis and instability when it comes to rent because I, myself, have struggled in the past, so I know exactly how it feels,” Johnson told WTKR. “So, that’s what inspired me to give my tenants free rent for the holidays.”
Missy Waller, a tenant who had recently moved into her Portsmouth home three months ago, was still settling in and decorating, which is especially costly as the holidays near. Her landlord’s generosity—two months of free rent—was a huge help.
With her rent at $1,400 a month and the added cost of supporting her son in college, daily expenses were piling up.
“I pay rent, lights, gas, water, trash, et cetera,” Waller said.
Her landlord, Johnson, decided to offer his assistance on November 13.
“It was a big relief. It was like a bookbag of bricks off my back,” Waller added, recounting the moment Johnson revealed his plans to waive their rent for November and December.
Now she can focus on getting her place set up to feel like home.
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Johnson strongly believes in community support. Giving back is central to his business and personal life.
“I just ask everyone to pay it forward, and that’s what we do here at Homebridge Health Care. We pay it forward,” Johnson expressed. “So, whether you’re a client of ours, employee of ours, or even if you’re not, we’re going to always pay it forward. That’s our motto.”
Johnson has more tenants to surprise.
“We actually have six more homes to knock on the door and let them know they are receiving free rent for the month of December,” Johnson remarked.
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