Two real estate influencers on TikTok have ignited a heated debate after suggesting that tenants should tip their landlords. The duo, known as @twoguystakeonrealestate, posted a video earlier this month in which they acted out a scenario where a tenant is prompted to tip after paying rent.
In the skit, the 'landlord' presents an iPad with tipping options of 15, 20, or 25 per cent, leading the 'tenant' to express outrage. The landlord responds by comparing tipping for a coffee or chicken wings to tipping for after-hours emergency calls and maintaining a safe home. When the tenant remains unconvinced, the landlord threatens to include 'gratuities' in the rent at lease renewal.
The video has been viewed over 358,000 times on TikTok, with many viewers questioning whether it is satire. Comments ranged from disbelief to anger, with one person stating, 'You want to be tipped for maintaining property you own to meet legal standards?' Another noted that a 25 per cent tip on a £1,200 rent would be far higher than on a restaurant bill.
Some viewers argued that landlords should not expect tips when they earn far more than service workers, while others shared poor experiences with landlords. In response to criticism, the influencers confirmed they were 'trolling' but maintained that landlords provide services regardless of payment. The debate comes amid wider controversy over tipping culture, with many feeling expectations have become excessive.
