TikToker Criticizes The Landlord In A Funny Video For Increasing Rent Despite The Apartment Needing Repairs
Everyone has their ways of handling a rent increase, but this is just hilarious.
Grace thought she was looking at a routine rent renewal, but the email she got instead turned into a very different kind of apartment drama. In a TikTok video, she reacts to a $700 monthly increase while walking viewers through a building that looks like it has seen much better days.
The contrast is what makes the clip hit so hard, the landlord says the unit is worth more, while the complex appears to need plenty of repairs. Between the worn-out floors, damaged walls, and rusting pipes, Grace’s frustration is easy to understand.
By the end of the video, the whole thing feels less like a rent notice and more like a public callout. Read on.
Here is the rent renewal email
Grace JamesAnd here is Grace talking about the whole rent increase
Grace JamesIn the video, Grace says:
“Mmm hi Grace. We’re increasing your rent by $700 a month because it’s what the apartment’s worth.”
As she gives a tour of the dilapidated complex, she keeps repeating in a silly voice, "It's what the apartment's worth." Graffiti appears to have been done on the walls of the entrance.
That rent hike did not land well with viewers.
The mailboxes appear dated and filthy, and one of them doesn't seem to close.
Grace James
You'll also notice the damage to the floor and walls at the bottom of the steps.
Grace James
There are also pipes that are visible and seem to be rusting.
Grace James
And if you think Grace’s $700 line is bad, check out the roommate who demanded unequal rent for a bigger room.
The floorboards are completely worn out and may even be rotting.
Grace James
There is chipping paint on the pipes.
Grace James
Not to mention the damaged walls with missing plaster in certain areas.
Grace James
Yeah, this one is a keeper...
While many commenters disagreed with Grace, many others expressed sympathy for her. Some people expressed their desire to "move," which inspired Grace to create a follow-up video.
Grace James
She goes on to say that most people would probably have to leave if someone were told to simply "MOVE" because they are essential workers who aren't paid enough to afford the rent in the first place.
That follow-up made the situation feel even more relatable.
It is quite simple:
Grace James
Moving isn't always as easy as it sounds, as some viewers further explained in their comments.
Grace James
Others pointed out that this issue doesn't just occur in big areas like New York.
“This is exactly what is happening here in Hawaii, where people are scooping up land to use as vacation rentals that price locals out.”
What are your thoughts regarding this story? Leave your comments below and share this post with others to get their opinions as well.
Plenty of readers saw the bigger housing problem right away.
Rent hike chaos like Grace’s? See what happened when a landlord tried to charge after pet surgery costs.
