You won't believe what happened when Monique finally met her new housemate after driving 4,000km across Australia!
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Moving house is always a big deal—especially when you’re packing up your life and driving nearly 4,000km across the country. But for Monique Muskens, a make-up artist with a sense of adventure (and a very eye-catching pink Tesla), her cross-continental journey from Sydney to Perth turned into a saga she’ll never forget—and not for the reasons she’d hoped.
After weeks of planning, countless texts, FaceTime calls, and photo exchanges with her soon-to-be housemate Jamie, Monique thought she had everything sorted. She’d secured a room to rent, lined up a new job, and was ready to start her next chapter in Western Australia. But as many of us know, sometimes life throws a curveball just when you think you’ve got it all under control.
A Road Trip with a Twist
Monique’s journey was no small feat. Five days on the road, crossing the vast Australian outback, all with the promise of a new home at the end. But just four hours from Perth, her phone buzzed with a message that would upend her plans: Jamie told her she couldn’t move in as scheduled. The room would be ready Monday, he said—just a couple of days’ delay.
Not ideal, but Monique was determined. She arrived at the house, hoping she could at least crash on the couch. Instead, she was turned away at the door. Jamie’s excuse? The bed for her room had 'fallen off the roof of the car' and they were 'sorting that and moving some stuff around.' It sounded a bit fishy, but Monique tried to stay positive.
The Plot Thickens
The next day, Monique checked in again, hoping for better news. Instead, she got a message that left her stunned: 'My wife had a meltdown over me bringing a woman into this house.' Just like that, the room was off the table. No home, no backup plan, and a new job starting the next day.
With nowhere to go and feeling understandably frustrated, Monique decided to confront Jamie in person. She recorded the encounter, which quickly went viral online. In the video, Jamie confirmed she couldn’t move in, citing his wife’s wishes. When Monique pressed him on the timing and the broken bed story, Jamie simply shrugged and said, 'Unfortunately that’s the outcome,' before shutting the door in her face.
Left in the Lurch
To make matters worse, it was a public holiday weekend in Perth—Western Australia Day—so hotels were booked out and options were slim. Monique eventually managed to find a hotel room, but the experience left her shaken and scrambling for a new place to live.
She shared her story online, where it sparked a heated debate. Many sympathised with her, praising her courage for confronting Jamie and calling out the last-minute change of heart. Others, however, sided with Jamie, arguing that 'no means no' and that anyone can change their mind about a housemate at any time.
What Can We Learn from Monique’s Ordeal?
Monique’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering a big move—especially when it comes to renting rooms or sharing houses with strangers. Here are a few key takeaways for our members:
The Human Side of House Sharing
Monique’s story also highlights the emotional side of house sharing. For many over 60s, renting out a room or moving in with others can be a great way to save money, find companionship, or downsize. But it’s important to remember that everyone involved needs to feel comfortable and respected.
If you’re thinking about renting out a room in your home, be upfront with your family and any other housemates. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and last-minute dramas like the one Monique faced.
We know many of our members have stories of their own—whether it’s a housemate from hell, a landlord who changed the locks, or a dream rental that turned into a disaster. Have you ever been left in the lurch by a last-minute change of heart? Or maybe you’ve had a positive experience that restored your faith in humanity? Share your stories in the comments below! Your advice and experiences could help others avoid a similar fate. And if you’re currently on the hunt for a new place, remember: a little caution and a lot of communication can go a long way.
After weeks of planning, countless texts, FaceTime calls, and photo exchanges with her soon-to-be housemate Jamie, Monique thought she had everything sorted. She’d secured a room to rent, lined up a new job, and was ready to start her next chapter in Western Australia. But as many of us know, sometimes life throws a curveball just when you think you’ve got it all under control.
A Road Trip with a Twist
Monique’s journey was no small feat. Five days on the road, crossing the vast Australian outback, all with the promise of a new home at the end. But just four hours from Perth, her phone buzzed with a message that would upend her plans: Jamie told her she couldn’t move in as scheduled. The room would be ready Monday, he said—just a couple of days’ delay.
Not ideal, but Monique was determined. She arrived at the house, hoping she could at least crash on the couch. Instead, she was turned away at the door. Jamie’s excuse? The bed for her room had 'fallen off the roof of the car' and they were 'sorting that and moving some stuff around.' It sounded a bit fishy, but Monique tried to stay positive.
Monique Muskens faced a peculiar predicament over a shared home. Image Credit: TikTok/Monique Muskens
The Plot Thickens
The next day, Monique checked in again, hoping for better news. Instead, she got a message that left her stunned: 'My wife had a meltdown over me bringing a woman into this house.' Just like that, the room was off the table. No home, no backup plan, and a new job starting the next day.
With nowhere to go and feeling understandably frustrated, Monique decided to confront Jamie in person. She recorded the encounter, which quickly went viral online. In the video, Jamie confirmed she couldn’t move in, citing his wife’s wishes. When Monique pressed him on the timing and the broken bed story, Jamie simply shrugged and said, 'Unfortunately that’s the outcome,' before shutting the door in her face.
Left in the Lurch
To make matters worse, it was a public holiday weekend in Perth—Western Australia Day—so hotels were booked out and options were slim. Monique eventually managed to find a hotel room, but the experience left her shaken and scrambling for a new place to live.
She shared her story online, where it sparked a heated debate. Many sympathised with her, praising her courage for confronting Jamie and calling out the last-minute change of heart. Others, however, sided with Jamie, arguing that 'no means no' and that anyone can change their mind about a housemate at any time.
What Can We Learn from Monique’s Ordeal?
Monique’s story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering a big move—especially when it comes to renting rooms or sharing houses with strangers. Here are a few key takeaways for our members:
- Get It in Writing: A formal rental agreement or contract can save you a world of trouble. Verbal agreements and text messages are easy to break, but a signed document gives you some legal standing if things go pear-shaped.
- Have a Backup Plan: As Monique’s experience shows, even the best-laid plans can fall apart at the last minute. Always have a Plan B—whether it’s a list of nearby hotels, friends in the area, or alternative rental options.
- Check the Living Situation: If possible, try to meet all housemates (and their partners!) before moving in. Compatibility and clear communication are key, especially when sharing a home.
- Be Wary of Red Flags: If something feels off—like a story about a bed falling off a car roof—it might be worth double-checking before you commit.
- Know Your Rights: In Australia, tenants have rights—even if you’re just renting a room. If you’re unsure, check with your local tenancy authority or legal aid service.
The Human Side of House Sharing
Monique’s story also highlights the emotional side of house sharing. For many over 60s, renting out a room or moving in with others can be a great way to save money, find companionship, or downsize. But it’s important to remember that everyone involved needs to feel comfortable and respected.
If you’re thinking about renting out a room in your home, be upfront with your family and any other housemates. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and last-minute dramas like the one Monique faced.
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