What happens when a landlord refuses to keep his word? That is the painful question facing the Wilson family, tenants who resided in Industry Drive #18, Cul de Sac, who say they have been left without the return of their full rightful deposit after vacating their rental home earlier this month.
Dear Editor,
The Wilsons, senior citizens who are abroad, have been renting the home since 2023. While they were away, their daughter remained in the property. At the end of June 2025, landlord Andrew David — who is also a pastor, known for conducting services at the John Larmonie Center on Sundays — notified them that their daughter must leave by the end of July.
By law and by principle, tenants are generally entitled to at least two months’ notice. But Mr. David’s demand allowed only one. Since the daughter would be off-island during July, both sides agreed to extend the arrangement until August 3rd. The daughter found another apartment and vacated the premises by that date.
According to the Wilsons, Mr. David verbally assured them that once the house was empty, the deposit would be reissued. But instead of honoring his word, the landlord introduced new conditions: repainting the house, cutting off electricity, and providing proof of these tasks. The family complied. The painting was completed within six days, the electricity was disconnected, and Mr. David was informed.
Yet, silence followed. Calls and messages went unanswered. When reached, Mr. David shifted his position again, saying he would now only return part of the deposit, citing “disrespect” from the Wilsons’ daughter and deducting the days it took to paint the home.
The Wilsons, hurt but humble, did not argue. But they are left wondering:
- Is this morally correct?
- Is fair not fair?
- How can a man of the cloth, entrusted with shepherding souls, fail to keep his simple word?
They ask why senior citizens should be forced to plead for the return of what is rightfully theirs. “Why would he find it difficult to reissue the full amount? Why do landlords make it so hard for tenants to get back deposits?” the Wilsons asked.
Their story reflects a larger issue many tenants quietly endure: deposits withheld, promises broken, and landlords taking advantage of the vulnerable. The Wilsons believe silence allows this behavior to continue. “If no one stands up to them, they will continue to get away with this,” they warned.
For a pastor who preaches on Sundays, the Wilsons say the situation raises uncomfortable questions of integrity. “Where is the conscience and the charge that Christ bestowed upon him?” they ask.
The Wilsons.