You won’t believe what my tenant did after moving out—now SHE says I’m the dramatic one!
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Being a landlord can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride—sometimes it’s smooth sailing, and other times, you’re left scratching your head in disbelief. Well, buckle up, because this story is one for the books!
Picture this: you’ve just waved goodbye to your tenant, thinking all is well. The keys are left on the counter, the place is (hopefully) tidy, and you’re ready to welcome the next resident. But when you pop in to check the property, you’re met with a sight that leaves you gobsmacked—your fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher have vanished into thin air!
That’s exactly what happened to one landlord, who was left reeling after discovering his tenant, Katie, had packed up not just her belongings, but also the big-ticket appliances that came with the furnished rental. We’re talking more than $2,000 worth of essential white goods—gone!
The exchange started innocently enough. Katie sent a polite farewell text: ‘Hi, just wanted to say I’ve left the keys on the counter. Thanks for everything.’ But when the landlord replied, ‘Hi Katie. Just been to the property. Where is the fridge?’ things took a turn for the bizarre.
Katie’s response? Cool as a cucumber: ‘Oh, I took it. Same with the washer and the dishwasher.’ As if it was the most natural thing in the world!
The landlord, understandably flabbergasted, reminded her that these items were part of the tenancy and listed on the inventory she’d signed. Katie’s justification? ‘Yeah but I used them every day. I assumed they were mine?’ It’s the kind of logic that would make even the most patient among us do a double-take.
When pressed to return the appliances, Katie replied, ‘That’s a bit awkward now. They’re already in my new place.’ She even suggested, ‘Can’t you just claim it on insurance or something? I’m not trying to cause drama.’ (Oh, the irony!)
The landlord, now at his wit’s end, had to spell it out: ‘If I don’t have them back by Friday, I’ll have to treat it as theft. This is serious.’ Katie’s parting shot? ‘Wow. Over a few appliances? Bit extreme, don’t you think?’
The saga was shared online by British property strategist Jack Rooke, who summed it up perfectly: ‘She took over £1,000 ($A2040) worth of appliances… Then told the landlord he was being dramatic. And people still say landlords are the bad guys.’
The story quickly went viral, racking up more than 770,000 views and sparking a lively debate. Some commenters sided with the landlord, calling Katie’s actions outright theft.
Others, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, suggested that after paying rent for years, she deserved a few white goods as a parting gift. One even joked, ‘Dammit Katie, you’re making me agree with a landlord here.’
But this isn’t just a one-off. Many landlords chimed in with their own tales of tenants making off with everything from fridges to sofas. One lamented, ‘I never rent anything out furnished, literally they steal something every time. Over 10 years there was nothing left—no sofa, fridge, dryer, bed, table and chairs. Every single item stolen.’ Another added, ‘My last tenant left with my fridge. Exactly the same conversation.’
So, what’s really going on here? Let’s break it down:
Understanding Furnished Rentals: What’s Included?
When you rent a furnished property, it typically comes with a list of items—appliances, furniture, sometimes even cutlery and crockery. This inventory is agreed upon and signed by both parties at the start of the tenancy. These items are not gifts; they’re part of what you’re paying for in your rent. Taking them when you leave is, in no uncertain terms, theft.
Why Do These Mix-Ups Happen?
Sometimes, tenants genuinely misunderstand what’s included. Maybe they’ve never rented a furnished place before, or perhaps they just get a little too comfortable. But as this story shows, it’s crucial to read the fine print and clarify any doubts before moving in—or out!
What Should You Do If This Happens to You?
If you’re a landlord, always keep a detailed inventory and have your tenant sign it. Do a thorough inspection before and after each tenancy. If something’s missing, contact your tenant immediately and try to resolve it amicably. If that fails, you may need to involve the police or pursue a claim through your landlord insurance.
For tenants, the golden rule is simple: if you didn’t buy it, don’t take it! When in doubt, ask your landlord before packing up anything that was there when you moved in.
The Bigger Picture: Trust and Communication
At the end of the day, the landlord-tenant relationship works best when there’s mutual respect and clear communication. Most tenants and landlords do the right thing, but stories like this remind us all to be vigilant—and maybe double-check the inventory list before moving day!
Your Turn: Have You Had a Rental Mishap?
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had a tenant (or landlord) pull a stunt like this? Do you prefer furnished or unfurnished rentals? What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever found missing—or left behind—after a move? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s swap some tales and maybe help each other avoid a ‘Katie’ situation in the future!
Read more: You won't believe what happened when this landlord caught his tenant breaking the no-pet rule!
Picture this: you’ve just waved goodbye to your tenant, thinking all is well. The keys are left on the counter, the place is (hopefully) tidy, and you’re ready to welcome the next resident. But when you pop in to check the property, you’re met with a sight that leaves you gobsmacked—your fridge, washing machine, and dishwasher have vanished into thin air!
That’s exactly what happened to one landlord, who was left reeling after discovering his tenant, Katie, had packed up not just her belongings, but also the big-ticket appliances that came with the furnished rental. We’re talking more than $2,000 worth of essential white goods—gone!
A landlord was shocked to discover his tenant took the fridge, washing machine and dishwasher from his furnished rental when she moved out, mistakenly believing they were hers to keep. Credit: Depositphotos
The exchange started innocently enough. Katie sent a polite farewell text: ‘Hi, just wanted to say I’ve left the keys on the counter. Thanks for everything.’ But when the landlord replied, ‘Hi Katie. Just been to the property. Where is the fridge?’ things took a turn for the bizarre.
Katie’s response? Cool as a cucumber: ‘Oh, I took it. Same with the washer and the dishwasher.’ As if it was the most natural thing in the world!
The landlord, understandably flabbergasted, reminded her that these items were part of the tenancy and listed on the inventory she’d signed. Katie’s justification? ‘Yeah but I used them every day. I assumed they were mine?’ It’s the kind of logic that would make even the most patient among us do a double-take.
When pressed to return the appliances, Katie replied, ‘That’s a bit awkward now. They’re already in my new place.’ She even suggested, ‘Can’t you just claim it on insurance or something? I’m not trying to cause drama.’ (Oh, the irony!)
The landlord, now at his wit’s end, had to spell it out: ‘If I don’t have them back by Friday, I’ll have to treat it as theft. This is serious.’ Katie’s parting shot? ‘Wow. Over a few appliances? Bit extreme, don’t you think?’
The saga was shared online by British property strategist Jack Rooke, who summed it up perfectly: ‘She took over £1,000 ($A2040) worth of appliances… Then told the landlord he was being dramatic. And people still say landlords are the bad guys.’
The story quickly went viral, racking up more than 770,000 views and sparking a lively debate. Some commenters sided with the landlord, calling Katie’s actions outright theft.
Others, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, suggested that after paying rent for years, she deserved a few white goods as a parting gift. One even joked, ‘Dammit Katie, you’re making me agree with a landlord here.’
But this isn’t just a one-off. Many landlords chimed in with their own tales of tenants making off with everything from fridges to sofas. One lamented, ‘I never rent anything out furnished, literally they steal something every time. Over 10 years there was nothing left—no sofa, fridge, dryer, bed, table and chairs. Every single item stolen.’ Another added, ‘My last tenant left with my fridge. Exactly the same conversation.’
So, what’s really going on here? Let’s break it down:
Understanding Furnished Rentals: What’s Included?
When you rent a furnished property, it typically comes with a list of items—appliances, furniture, sometimes even cutlery and crockery. This inventory is agreed upon and signed by both parties at the start of the tenancy. These items are not gifts; they’re part of what you’re paying for in your rent. Taking them when you leave is, in no uncertain terms, theft.
Why Do These Mix-Ups Happen?
Sometimes, tenants genuinely misunderstand what’s included. Maybe they’ve never rented a furnished place before, or perhaps they just get a little too comfortable. But as this story shows, it’s crucial to read the fine print and clarify any doubts before moving in—or out!
What Should You Do If This Happens to You?
If you’re a landlord, always keep a detailed inventory and have your tenant sign it. Do a thorough inspection before and after each tenancy. If something’s missing, contact your tenant immediately and try to resolve it amicably. If that fails, you may need to involve the police or pursue a claim through your landlord insurance.
For tenants, the golden rule is simple: if you didn’t buy it, don’t take it! When in doubt, ask your landlord before packing up anything that was there when you moved in.
The Bigger Picture: Trust and Communication
At the end of the day, the landlord-tenant relationship works best when there’s mutual respect and clear communication. Most tenants and landlords do the right thing, but stories like this remind us all to be vigilant—and maybe double-check the inventory list before moving day!
Your Turn: Have You Had a Rental Mishap?
We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever had a tenant (or landlord) pull a stunt like this? Do you prefer furnished or unfurnished rentals? What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever found missing—or left behind—after a move? Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Let’s swap some tales and maybe help each other avoid a ‘Katie’ situation in the future!
Read more: You won't believe what happened when this landlord caught his tenant breaking the no-pet rule!
