It really gets on my saggy tits when a DSS Tenant says, “I have Worked Hard My Entire Life“, to imply that they’re not a “typical” DSS tenant, and it’s only by misfortune that they’ve had to start claiming benefits. I have no doubt in my mind that shear misfortune has played a huge part in their circumstance, but what does having worked hard have to do with anything? Seriously.
I don’t know whether it irks me so much because I hear it EVERY GOD DAMN DAY, or because the statement in itself is pointless. Regardless, the statement is beyond irritating.
I’ve been trying to refrain from making a blog post about this issue for two reasons:
- 1) I learned a long time ago that people (DSS tenants in particular) find it difficult to comprehend what I say. For example, I’ve NEVER said I have a problem with people claiming benefits (I support the notion of helping thou neighbour), nor do I think ALL DSS Tenants are the same. All I’ve ever said is that the current system is setup in a way which doesn’t favour landlords, so that’s why I refuse to deal with DSS tenants. However, I still get the same old cries, “can’t believe you’re tarring us with the same brush” – my response to that is, “FUCK YOU, I’m not saying that, you complete and utter douche bag.“
- 2) Secondly, I’ve written enough articles about DSS tenants, both in a positive and negative light (the positive ones seem to get neglected *mumbles to self*), to last a life time.
However, it’s got to the point where I feel as though I’ve been backed into a corner. And you know what happens when you corner a dog, don’t you? It pisses itself, and then starts barking. Well, i’ve just had a piss, and here’s my bark…
I genuinely think it’s the most overused and pointless line used by a DSS tenant; I’ve heard it from people in person, via email, and most frequently, through comments on my blog. The sequence of words pierces through my skin and shatters my bones.
I can’t be the only one who has heard this infamous line from DSS tenants. Anyone who has communicated with a fair portion of DSS tenants must know what I’m talking about. If not, just read through some of the comments in the DSS Tenant section.
Why the statement is pointless…
- Firstly, making the claim you have worked hard your entire life is generally an unmeasurable statement. You may feel you have worked hard your entire life, but compared to who or what? It’s subjective.
- Secondly, “working hard” is not a rare novelty; but people say it like it is. Millions of people work hard on a daily basis. I’m probably not one of those people, mind you.
- The character reference of having “worked hard” has no reflection on how good or bad a tenant someone will make.
- In the perspective of a landlord, saying, “i’ve worked hard my entire life” is as useful as saying, “I will always pay you rent”- it’s pointless. It means nothing. More importantly, it’s not going to change my mind about whatever it is you’re trying to change my mind about. It’s as feeble as putting “hard worker” on a C.V.
Why do DSS tenants even say it?
I most often hear the line used in the following context:
I have worked hard my entire life and it’s only by misfortune I’ve had to claim benefits, so it’s completely unfair that you’re tarring me with the same brush as all DSS tenants
A statement like that suggests they’re using the line to convince people they’re a good tenant. Consequently, they should be treated as any other prospective tenant; almost as if the notion of having “worked hard” should give them an extra layer of protection, most of all, credibility, and eradicate their “Housing Benefit” status. Wrong. So wrong.
I appreciate, understand and even sympathise with misfortune. I know not all DSS tenants are the same; I know there are good and bad DSS tenants; I’m aware that many DSS tenants genuinely don’t deserve to be in the position they’re in; I’m aware that there are genuinely good DSS tenants out there that are struggling because others have given them a bad reputation. I get it. It sucks, and I mean it. It’s truly a shitty deal.
Albeit, the fact still remains, it makes no difference to me if you’ve worked hard your entire life, or if you’ve sat on your fat arse all your life cashing benefit cheques and playing computer games with your chubby sausage fingers…. the system is still broken, and the lack of protection landlords receive is scandalous.
Credit where credit is due; if you’ve worked hard your entire life, then much respect to you. But honestly, that’s all you’re getting from me.
My suggestion to all DSS tenants out there is to remove, “I’ve worked hard my entire life” from the front-line of the arsenal, right the way to the back, until it’s just a little dot. Then move, “here are all my references from previous landlords” to the front-line.
Disclaimer: I'm just a landlord blogger; I'm 100% not qualified to give legal or financial advice. I'm a doofus. Any information I share is my unqualified opinion, and should never be construed as professional legal or financial advice. You should definitely get advice from a qualified professional for any legal or financial matters. For more information, please read my full disclaimer.
Reet; "Feeding of the state?"
And the alternative is?
More homeless people and illegal Shanty Towns, I wouldn't want that.