The Art of Saying No and Sticking to the Terms

Yesterday I asked one of my tenants to vacate the office space so I could use it starting next month. Our agreement clearly states a one-month notice, but I offered up to one and a half months if they needed more time.

I spoke directly to the person using the office. The local POC was polite and said, “OK, let me try.” I even suggested two nearby offices owned by friends so they could avoid paying brokerage again.

A few hours later they visited both offices. Then, another POC from a different office joined the conversation and completely changed the tone. Suddenly it was, “We won’t vacate unless you pay us the brokerage we paid when we took this office. It’s been only six months, so if you don’t pay, we’ll stay for another year.”

I explained that brokerage was their arrangement and had nothing to do with me, and that I was following our documented terms. But new demands kept coming—brokerage, rent discounts, and more.

At that point I chose not to waste any more time. They even brought in a lawyer, but I stopped engaging. Now I am simply waiting to see how they respond as the notice period ends, while preparing to ensure I get the office vacated on time.