Lifestyle6 min(s) read
Published 11:53 28 Nov 2019 GMT
Renting is all part of the parcel of life for Millenials - and others too, but mostly Millenials. And when you don't own the property you're living in, it means you're at the mercy of your landlord when it comes to general maintenance. Now, writing as a Millenial renter, I can attest to the value of a good landlord who is willing to send out a handyman in the middle of the night to sort a bleeping fire alarm, and a bad one who insisted that it was my responsibility to find replacement tenants for three of the rooms in my apartment (equating to over $2,000 in rent).
However, compared to some people on the internet, my experience of the bad side of landlords has been, well, a walk in the park. From landlords who literally jail the thermostats in apartments to others who let their property's swimming pool turn into Shrek's swap, here is a list of 30 negligent landlords whose tenants decided to take pictures of the unthinkable...
[post_page_title]The fungal ceiling[/post_page_title]
Ah, mushrooms. They're a great source of protein if you're a vegetarian like me (honestly, until you've had a Portobello mushroom on a burger, you haven't lived), but the last place you want to find them is growing from your ceiling!
This disturbing snap was captioned: "So my friend's landlord thinks this is no big deal." No one wants an unwelcome guest in their abode - let alone a cluster of mushrooms. I guess they could cook them?!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The future is here[/post_page_title]
The future is here, and it looks a lot like George Orwell's 1984. Y'know, the terrifying dystopian novel which depicts a future where people's every move is watched by The Party, or, in this case, their landlord...
"My landlord pretended to do work in the flat," this picture was captioned, "But ended up installing this 360° wifi surveillance camera which also records audio without telling me about it."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]This thermostat[/post_page_title]
There's nothing worse or more dangerous than a cold flat in the winter. Sure, heating is expensive, but if you want to be comfortable and healthy, it's a necessity.
That awkward moment when your 'thermostat' is actually just hanging on a nail and doesn't control the temperature whatsoever," this picture was captioned. "Shout out to the best landlords ever."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Slugs... SLUGS[/post_page_title]
Does anyone else remember that iconic scene from one of the early Harry Potter movies where Ron tells Malfoy to eat slugs and it backfires on himself? I imagine that this what happened between this tenant and their landlord.
This picture was captioned: "Landlords didn't believe me when I tried to tell them we had a slug infestation. Said they've never heard of such a problem."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Whatever this is supposed to be[/post_page_title]
Sometimes landlords attempt 'repair' jobs that are so bizarre, so breathtakingly awful, that there really are no words to describe them. This is an example...
This Reddit user captioned this monstrosity: "This is how the landlord fixed the leaky ceiling." This looks like the work of a child!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]A secure apartment[/post_page_title]
Your home is where your most valuable possessions reside - and you, which is why security is of the utmost importance. No one wants to endure a break-in, but unfortunately, it looks like it's inevitable for this tenant.
"My landlord finally installed a new gated entryway," this picture was sarcastically captioned. "I feel so much safer now."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The crack[/post_page_title]
Whenever I see a large crack anywhere, I'm automatically reminded of disaster movies. Whether it's the result of an earthquake, aliens, or simply a dodgy landlord, it's never a good sign.
This picture was simply captioned: "My landlord sucks." Agreed.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Another mushroom[/post_page_title]
If you thought that mushroom growing from the ceiling in the first image was a one-off, I'm afraid you're mistaken. There are countless renters out there living in properties that are prime fungal real estate...
"I've been arguing with my landlord about water seeping into my apartment for 2 months now," this Reddit user explained. "Found this little guy today."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Danger mould[/post_page_title]
If you're living in rented accommodation and see something that looks sinister, chances are that it is, and if your landlord refuses to fix it, get the heck out of there for the sake of your health. Cheap rent isn't worth it.
"A leak my landlord refuses to fix. Is this mold? Is it dangerous?" this Reddit user questioned.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Revenge is sweet[/post_page_title]
Sometimes landlords think that they have one up on their tenants, but if they forget crucial details of their arrangements, the tenant can get their own back if they try to pull a fast one.
"Landlord decided to turn down the heat today in my Mn apartment as it reached -40°," this Reddit user explained. "But the idiot must have forgotten he pays my electric and doesn't realize that I value my comfort over safety or energy conservation."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]This elevator situation[/post_page_title]
When you rent a property that has an elevator, it's a given that usage of the elevator will be part of the parcel, but not for this landlord. He thought the existence of an elevator was a great money-making scheme.
This caption really does speak for itself: "Landlord charges residents to use the elevator."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Safe[/post_page_title]
It's a legal requirement that many landlords have to put fire extinguishers in their properties... a requirement this landlord chose to ignore.
This was sarcastically captioned: "My landlord is super serious about fire safety."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]A big problem[/post_page_title]
If you're a landlord and don't maintain your properties, it only stands to reason that problems will worsen over time. This is something that this cheapskate learned the hard way.
"Landlord responded right away when I sent him the second pic," this Reddit user wrote.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Drip... drip... crash[/post_page_title]
If you notice a drip from the ceiling, you need to get that sh*t sorted ASAP. Otherwise, you never know what could come crashing down on you. Let's just hope that there was no one in this sitting room when this happened!
This picture was captioned: "Told my landlord that there was a drip coming from my ceiling about two weeks ago. They did nothing about it and I woke up to this morning."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Oh dear[/post_page_title]
Bathrooms are supposed to be relaxing places, and unless you're having renovations, they're the last room in the house that you want to look like a building site...
"My ceiling caved in and the landlord said they won't fix it until it rains again and they can find the leak," this Reddit user revealed. Yeah, your guess about the logic behind that statement is as good as mine!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]This cat flap[/post_page_title]
If you have an outdoor cat, a catflap is a necessity. Otherwise, your pet could end up left outside in the rain. However, maybe it's just me, but I've never seen a pizza box double as a cat flap before...
This picture was captioned: "Landlord promised to install a cat flap in our back door after some security issues. Came home to this." There really are no words...
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]So dangerous[/post_page_title]
The most dangerous part of a house is arguably its electrical system, and if it gets to the stage below... yeah, I would rather live in a hostel temporarily or sofa surf than give money to a landlord like this one.
This is yet another caption that reveals that landlords simply have no conscience: "Landlord ignored me for two months about my sparking outlet, got worried about a fire and did it myself and I find this."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The jailed thermostat[/post_page_title]
In any property, the power bill will inevitably go up in the winter months, but this London landlord decided to take extreme action to make sure his outgoings remained the same...
This Reddit user wrote: "Welcome to renting in London! My landlord has just put our thermostat in a cage." Writing as someone who has rented in London, all I can say it this: I'm glad I've never encountered a landlord this cheap!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]This shower situation[/post_page_title]
Heating aside, one of the next most important features of any house is the bathroom. If you can't get a good shower, it can leave you feeling disgusting and groggy, but it turns out that some landlords simply don't understand what repair means.
"Each time we ask our landlord to fix the shower they just add a new nozzle," this Reddit user revealed.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Joe the creep[/post_page_title]
Tenants and landlords have what is, to all intents and purposes, a professional relationship. But it turns out that some landlords can't help but be creepy. Landlords like Joe. AVOID.
This horrendous exchange was captioned: "My friend asked me if this message from her 53-year-old landlord was creepy." Yes, the answer is yes. Now move out of there before it gets worse.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]This balcony[/post_page_title]
The only time when it would ever be acceptable to repair a balcony with a single piece of wood would be after a natural disaster. Needless to say, this was not the case for this tenant.
Apparently, this landlord had fixed the deck. Yeah, I wouldn't risk standing on that even if I was the doggo!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Title[/post_page_title]
Wow. Yet another shower disaster. I guess this person will just have to have a bath turned shower!
At least this Reddit user has a good sense of humor. They captioned this picture: "Landlord fitted a shower head holder, perfect for when I finish my shift at the chocolate factory."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Locked in[/post_page_title]
As Tim Minchin once said, locks are supposed to keep the bad guys out, even if most of the time they keep people in. But it turns out that whoever owns this property, quite literally, never wanted their tenants to leave.
This Reddit user explained: "Our landlord installed the locks to our front door backwards."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Incoming![/post_page_title]
Things should only ever really enter a property from the front door. Worst case, a window. But never a ceiling!
"I told my landlord to fix the leak in the ceiling," this picture was captioned. "She ignored me."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]How useful... not[/post_page_title]
On the subject of things not working as they're supposed to, here's another glorious example. A nightmare situation if you're a fan of microwavable popcorn!
Another caption that gives horrifying context to this monstrosity: "Landlord hung the microwave, this is as far as it opens before hitting the wall."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The Swamp[/post_page_title]
There was a good reason why Shrek wasn't exactly seen as handsome prince - he lived in a swamp. And if they ever decide to make a live-action sequel, I reckon they could actually shoot the movie here...
"My 'oh so awesome' landlord quit cleaning my pool cause kids who weren't living here were playing in it," this Reddit user explained. It looks like water that's been pumped straight out of a swamp!
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The Pool That's Closed Forever[/post_page_title]
One of the most important parts of any housing arrangement is ensuring that everything that comes with the property works as advertised...
This picture was captioned: "My landlord said there was a pool, he failed to mention it is closed. Forever."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]The silt table[/post_page_title]
There is cutting corners when it comes to property maintenance and then there is this. I guess you could call it a feat of engineering in its own right - and a lot of other things too!
The explanation behind this bizarre creation? "We asked our landlord for a bigger table. He built us T."
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]How horrible[/post_page_title]
Unscrupulous landlords might have the ability to make their tenants' lives Hell, but it turns out that, in some instances, they can even harm wildlife. I wish I was kidding.
"The landlord decided to get rid of this tree for no reason, additionally killing newborn birds in the process," this Reddit user wrote. For shame. Seriously.
[[pagebreak]][post_page_title]Shoddy workmanship[/post_page_title]
This Reddit user wrote: "My landlord promised to 'redo the bathroom floors.' This was the result."
You know that old saying, "If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well!" Yeah. That.
