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Landlord Calls The Police On Ex-Tenant For Taking Washer And Dryer He Bought Himself
A lot of us have had our fair share of bad landlords. Some of them ignored us when things broke down, others had insanely strict rules that were almost impossible to follow. But then there were ones that seemed completely normal but turned into unbelievable jerks the moment you decided to move out. Suddenly, everything you’re doing is wrong and you get the feeling you’ll have a tough time getting your deposit back.
Fortunately, in this story, there were no issues with the deposit. But there were angry calls and police involved, so that certainly qualifies as a bad experience. Scroll down to read what went wrong.
RELATED:
Having a landlord from hell is not an uncommon experience
Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)
Fortunately for this man, his landlord showed his true colors once he moved out. Nevertheless, things still got ugly
Image credits: RDNE Stock project (not the actual photo)
Image credits: ANTONI SHKRABA production (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Ian_Moves_Out
Landlords such as this one are often a hidden menace
When you think about how to avoid situations like this, it all seems quite easy. You simply have to be aware of things that are happening before the lease is signed. You make sure that the place looks clean, the landlord is communicative and nice, and the paperwork is in order. If they check all the boxes, you must be good to go. However, that’s not always the case.
Sometimes, just like in this situation, landlords are only keeping up appearances during the initial stage of the rental process. Once the paperwork is signed, they unleash their true potential for malice. That’s especially relevant for when contracts are ending.
Image credits: Michael Burrows (not the actual photo)
To avoid situations like this, you have to hope for the best but prepare for the worst
When talking to Vice, Rachel Khirallah, an attorney based in Dallas, Texas, said one of the most common issues she encounters is related to security deposits. “Landlords come up with various charges or reasons why the security deposit can’t be refunded.”
She notes that if that’s what happens to you, you have to insist on getting an itemized list of things you are being charged for. Note that charging for general wear and tear of the apartment is illegal.
In general, she recommends to always expect for things to go wrong at some point and document everything. If your landlord promises you things, make sure to get it in writing, whether it’s in text form or an email. If you have a call with them, screenshot that before hanging up and note down everything that was said in the call. Most importantly, always educate yourself on your rights.
Image credits: Anastasia Shuraeva (not the actual photo)
People in the comments were very understanding and showed nothing but support for the author
Some also offered legal advice on the situation as well as how to proceed with it
Others also shared their own “landlord from hell” stories
What do you think ?
Ron Baza 2 years ago
The OP has nothing to worry about. Unless they take their coworker’s advice about anything ever. In which case, they need to re-evaluate their judgement.
Cyndielouwhoo 2 years ago
Why do people listen to coworkers who have no experience or knowledge about tenant laws.
Load More Replies... Libstak 2 years ago
Ŵhat a nerve this landlord has...I just can't believe people think this way, complete idiot.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Seriously. The only exception I know is if the landlord reimbursed OP for the W/D, either by check or temporary rent reduction. Otherwise they’re just as much OP’s as her microwave or blender. Would love an update for this.
Load More Replies...
Alexandra 2 years ago
What is it with landlords? My son is living in a brand-new apartment. He has 3leaks, which he reported. It's been 3 weeks and one leak is starting to show mould and bits of the ceiling are coming off. If the landlord doesn't do anything about it (which he is obligated to do), my son is eligible for a decrease in rent due to a decrease in living comfort. There are regulations for that. I'm getting the impression that many landlords are woefully ignorant of the regulations they are subject to.
Charles Bryant 2 years ago
Be sure your son sends a CERTIFIED letter to the landlord that notifies him of the leaks; legally, verbal notification is not usually accepted in court (if it comes to that), and sometimes email notification is not accepted either, because the landlord could claim they never received said email. A certified letter leaves a PHYSICAL paper trail of the notification that will hold up in court (be sure to keep a copy of the letter, the tracking receipt from the post office, and print a copy of the proof of delivery from the USPS tracking website; this would also show if the landlord never accepted the certified letter or picked it up from the post office, but that doesn’t matter in court - what matters is that you sent it and have proof you sent it, and he refused to accept it). And if the landlord isn’t notified by this method in a timely manner, the tenant can be held responsible for consequential damages (mold) from the leaks.
Load More Replies...
Will Cable 2 years ago
Maybe I missed it but I think the co-worker is the one who signed up for the new lease on the apartment and is pissed off at not having them there and called him out for taking his own property
BlindAres 2 years ago
How do we block BP writers? Reposts/stealing stories from reddit shouldn't count for anything.
Lois Matelan 2 years ago
As I understand the law, if the tenant makes a "fixed improvement" to the property they are renting, that "fixed improvement" becomes part of the property. However, if they buy something that is not installed and attached to the property, it remains theirs to remove when they leave the premises. Thus, for example, a free-standing stove or a counter-top microwave remains the property of the tenant. In contrast, a stove-top or a dishwasher that is built into the kitchen counters becomes the property of the landlord and part of the rental property. The OP was merely removing appliances that she had purchased and connected to the water and power connections provided on the property. They remained hers to remove when she left.
Captain McSmoot 2 years ago
This story has no business being on here. There's no question as to who is in the right and who is in the wrong. But, hey, he got attention and also go to mention he has a boyfriend, so I guess he has attention and people knows he's hip.
Lemelia Bonner 2 years ago
The landlord is definitely the A for this and it sounds like they were in the wrong based on what OP wrote here, but prospective tenants should be aware and forewarned that there are times a lease stipulates any new appliances or additions/upgrades a tenant adds to the dwelling must remain upon move-out.
WonderWoman 2 years ago
Let's see, OP bought the washer/dryer, has the receipts, took her possessions with her. She checked with her boyfriend, his father and both reiterated she was correct. BUT one co-worker says she should have done something else, and she runs to reddit to ask the internet if she was the AH??? SMDH what is wrong with her? Attention seeking idiots out there.
Ron Baza 2 years ago
The OP has nothing to worry about. Unless they take their coworker’s advice about anything ever. In which case, they need to re-evaluate their judgement.
Cyndielouwhoo 2 years ago
Why do people listen to coworkers who have no experience or knowledge about tenant laws.
Load More Replies... Libstak 2 years ago
Ŵhat a nerve this landlord has...I just can't believe people think this way, complete idiot.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Seriously. The only exception I know is if the landlord reimbursed OP for the W/D, either by check or temporary rent reduction. Otherwise they’re just as much OP’s as her microwave or blender. Would love an update for this.
Load More Replies... Alexandra 2 years ago
What is it with landlords? My son is living in a brand-new apartment. He has 3leaks, which he reported. It's been 3 weeks and one leak is starting to show mould and bits of the ceiling are coming off. If the landlord doesn't do anything about it (which he is obligated to do), my son is eligible for a decrease in rent due to a decrease in living comfort. There are regulations for that. I'm getting the impression that many landlords are woefully ignorant of the regulations they are subject to.
Charles Bryant 2 years ago
Be sure your son sends a CERTIFIED letter to the landlord that notifies him of the leaks; legally, verbal notification is not usually accepted in court (if it comes to that), and sometimes email notification is not accepted either, because the landlord could claim they never received said email. A certified letter leaves a PHYSICAL paper trail of the notification that will hold up in court (be sure to keep a copy of the letter, the tracking receipt from the post office, and print a copy of the proof of delivery from the USPS tracking website; this would also show if the landlord never accepted the certified letter or picked it up from the post office, but that doesn’t matter in court - what matters is that you sent it and have proof you sent it, and he refused to accept it). And if the landlord isn’t notified by this method in a timely manner, the tenant can be held responsible for consequential damages (mold) from the leaks.
Load More Replies... Will Cable 2 years ago
Maybe I missed it but I think the co-worker is the one who signed up for the new lease on the apartment and is pissed off at not having them there and called him out for taking his own property
BlindAres 2 years ago
How do we block BP writers? Reposts/stealing stories from reddit shouldn't count for anything.
Lois Matelan 2 years ago
As I understand the law, if the tenant makes a "fixed improvement" to the property they are renting, that "fixed improvement" becomes part of the property. However, if they buy something that is not installed and attached to the property, it remains theirs to remove when they leave the premises. Thus, for example, a free-standing stove or a counter-top microwave remains the property of the tenant. In contrast, a stove-top or a dishwasher that is built into the kitchen counters becomes the property of the landlord and part of the rental property. The OP was merely removing appliances that she had purchased and connected to the water and power connections provided on the property. They remained hers to remove when she left.
Captain McSmoot 2 years ago
This story has no business being on here. There's no question as to who is in the right and who is in the wrong. But, hey, he got attention and also go to mention he has a boyfriend, so I guess he has attention and people knows he's hip.
Lemelia Bonner 2 years ago
The landlord is definitely the A for this and it sounds like they were in the wrong based on what OP wrote here, but prospective tenants should be aware and forewarned that there are times a lease stipulates any new appliances or additions/upgrades a tenant adds to the dwelling must remain upon move-out.
WonderWoman 2 years ago
Let's see, OP bought the washer/dryer, has the receipts, took her possessions with her. She checked with her boyfriend, his father and both reiterated she was correct. BUT one co-worker says she should have done something else, and she runs to reddit to ask the internet if she was the AH??? SMDH what is wrong with her? Attention seeking idiots out there.
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