NEED TO KNOW
- Landlord Travis Johnson told his tenants in Portsmouth, Va., that they don’t have to pay their rent for November and December
- “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,” Johnson told WTKR about why he did it
- He plans to give a rent reprieve to six more homes
Christmas came early for some tenants in Virginia thanks to the kindness of their landlord.
Travis Johnson, who rents out 12 homes in Portsmouth, surprised his tenants by forgoing their rent in November and December.
“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,” Johnson told CBS affiliate WTKR.
“That’s what inspired me to give my tenants free rent for the holidays,” he added. “The movement actually became bigger than just a moment; it became a national movement.”
He launched Homebridge Community Care Foundation, whose goal is to assist single-parent households and families who experience difficulties with paying their rent and mortgage.
Johnson also operates Homebridge Health Care, an at-home healthcare company, WTKR reported.
“Whether you’re a client of ours, an employee of ours, or even if you’re not, we’re going to always pay it forward. That’s our motto,” he said about the company.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s compassion was welcomed by Missy Waller, one of his tenants who moved into her Portsmouth home several months ago.
“He was like, ‘Come outside.’ And when I came outside, he said, ‘Y’all ain’t gotta bring rent for November and December,’ ” recalled Waller, who has a son in college. “You mean literally you don’t have to pay anything? I just jumped for joy.”
He shared with WTKR that he planned to share his generosity with other tenants too.
“We actually have six more homes to knock on the door and let them know they’re receiving free rent for the month of December,” he told the outlet.
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Speaking with PEOPLE, the landlord shares that he “would love to gift as many months of rent to families in need on a national scale and encourage everyone in all 50 states to sign up.”
He adds that Homebridge Health Care is focusing on being a “housing hero” nationally, and he’s seeking additional support and sponsors to expand their ability to contribute, since his latest gesture was done out of his own pocket.
Families can sign up for potential assistance by contacting homes@homebridgeco.com.