During a stagnant housing market, some landlords opt to reduce deposits or waive the first month's rent in order to reel in ambivalent renters. But, as one Tennessee tenant learned, some move-in specials are simply too good to be true…or at least legal.

Corey Gaines, 32, should have exercised more caution when reviewing the terms allegedly set forth by his landlord, Scott Williams, the 54-year-old proprietor of Kairos Investment Properties. Authorities believe Williams, who owns multiple properties near Nashville, offered Gaines five months of rent-free lodging and $1,000 to torch two properties to collect an insurance payout.

According to a grand jury's indictment of both men, multiple arsons set the stage for fraudulent insurance claims and even serious injuries sustained by a local firefighter in one such blaze. When the smoke cleared, fire investigators discovered gasoline around the charred homes, leading them to suspect arson and specifically Williams, who sought tens of thousands of dollars in compensation from his insurance company.

At one point, Williams came clean…sort of. After issuing a written statement implicating himself in the arson, Williams reneged on his story.

See related: Baptist Arsonist Faces Penance

Now maintaining their innocence, both Williams and Gaines pleaded not guilty in state court last week. This came roughly three months after a grand jury in Davidson County, Tenn. indicted the two on arson and insurance fraud, among other charges. Tomeka Gaines also was indicted on charges of theft and failing to report crimes to authorities.

Gaines' criminal history includes convictions for assault, burglary, harassment, and about a dozen other charges. His past transgressions add up to at least nine prison sentences, police report. In addition, authorities allege Gaines stole air conditioners, clothes, furniture, and other personal property from the home of Mary Butler, one of Williams' tenants, before setting fire to the residence.

Since the respective arrests, Williams was released on a $15,000 bond, while Gaines sits in prison on a $50,000 bond. Should they be convicted, the duo may live rent-free after all—in prison cells furnished by taxpayers.

Special Reports /

House of Collusion: Landlord, Tenant Arrested for Arson, Fraud

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