We had a rental and finding someone who would have leased it for 10 years would have been a godsend. Finding new tenants that are clean and pay on time is no easy task. So you have a lot of clout, simply because you have lived there so long. How about coming clean. Tell the landlord the situation. Explain to him that you would have told him sooner, but you and the kids just love this place so much. Offer to pay him a pet deposit fee, or a small increase in rent. He probably won't take it, but that should be his decision.
Your title says that your ashamed; this is a poor example to set for your kids. Your teaching them: "It's alright to break the rules if nobody catches you." I would use this to teach my kids a valuable lesson. Explain to your children that what you done is wrong and you want to set things straight. It's important to be honest even when it may cause you trouble. Good Luck, I hope you do what you know is right. |