Redditor Gets Revenge After Their Property Manager Has Them Evicted For Lying About Having Cats For Six Years

If you are a current tenant of a rental property, you will know that the rental market is pretty dismal right now. For that reason, renters' rights have gone out the window for many.

Many property managers and landlords are taking advantage of how difficult it is for tenants to secure a rental. If you're lucky enough to get one, you can be hard-pressed to receive any sort of maintenance or help with the property.

Reddit user u/Stinkysnarly recently shared a story in the r/MaliciousCompliance subreddit about how they got revenge on their greedy property manager. The OP explained that they live in Australia and have been renting their unit for around six and a half years.

The OP had been renewing the lease each year with a slight increase in rent each time. The lease agreement did not allow pets; however, the OP had three indoor cats on the property.

Since the real estate agency had a rapid turnover of staff, the OP got away with claiming they had been cat-sitting for the entire six and a half years they lived there. However, they had plenty of issues with the agent over the years.

They were accused of being behind on their rent on several occasions, and after multiple break-ins, the property manager refused to allow the OP to change the locks for their safety. The Redditor says the agent treated them poorly and didn't provide basic maintenance for the property.

In the meantime, the OP had been saving and managed to purchase a flat of their own. There was already a tenant living in the flat, so it would take some time before the OP could move in.

It was a tricky situation because the Redditor knew they would be forced to pay extra fees if they broke their current lease, and the tenant of their new flat also needed time to find a new place.

But then the OP received an even bigger shock. They arrived home one day to find a notice stating that they would need to remove the cats from the property, or the property manager would request their eviction.

The OP panicked at first, but then they remembered they had been looking for a way to break the lease anyway. They realized that if they were evicted, they wouldn't be liable for any of the extra fees associated with breaking the lease.

So, the OP asked the tenant of their flat if they would be interested in renting the unit they were leaving, and the tenant agreed. The Redditor asked the property manager if this would be possible, and they said no, even though it would have been in their best interest.

The OP agreed to go before the Tribunal for eviction, which, of course, the property manager wasn't expecting. When it came time for the hearing, the OP ensured they were well-prepared with all relevant information and documents.

When the judge asked the property manager how long the OP had been living in the unit, she said one and a half years. The Redditor corrected her by stating they had been there for six and a half years.

The property manager began rifling through her records but couldn't find the details. So, the OP pulled them out of their folder and showed them to the judge.

When the cats were mentioned, the OP admitted to being dishonest but explained that they had been a comfort, considering all the break-ins. They told the judge they had other accommodation to go to but needed some time to move. When questioned, the property manager told the judge she did not have approval to have the OP evicted from the property.

The judge informed her that if they couldn't get approval from the owner, they would not be able to proceed any further. The property manager turned bright red and was clearly stressed because she knew the owner was difficult to contact.

By that point, the property manager realized she had made a big mistake, and before long, the judge returned after being unable to contact the owner. The Redditor asked if the eviction date could be set for after the date they could move into their new flat, and the judge agreed.

As the judge walked out of the room, she said to the OP, "No harm in a little cat." After signing the necessary paperwork, the OP turned to the property manager and said, "Nice seeing you, Janet," before leaving the room.

After the OP moved out, they left a card (with a cat on it) with the key taped inside for the property manager.

The property manager tried to claim the OP's bond for laughable reasons, but they were unable to get away with it. Keep scrolling to see how people reacted.

The Redditor shared a story about the time their real estate agent had them evicted.

Reddit/Stinkysnarly

The OP explained that they live in Australia and have been renting their unit for around six and a half years.

Understanding Conflict and Resolution

This story underscores the emotional complexities involved in housing disputes, particularly regarding trust and communication.

Research published in the Journal of Conflict Resolution indicates that misunderstandings in rental agreements can lead to significant emotional distress.

The Redditor's situation exemplifies how unresolved conflicts can escalate, revealing the necessity for clear communication in landlord-tenant relationships.

The OP had been renewing the lease each year with a slight increase in rent each time.

The lease agreement did not allow pets; however, the OP had three indoor cats on the property.

The role of emotional intelligence in conflict resolution cannot be overstated.

Studies from Yale University suggest that individuals who possess high emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate disputes effectively.

This suggests that the Redditor's experience could have been mitigated through empathetic communication, allowing both parties to express their perspectives and reach a more amicable resolution.

The OP got away with claiming they had been cat-sitting for the entire six and a half years they lived there.

They had plenty of issues with the agent over the years.

The Impact of Trust on Relationships

Trust is a fundamental pillar in any relationship, including those between tenants and landlords.

Research from the University of Virginia indicates that breaches of trust can lead to long-lasting emotional impacts and increased conflict.

In this case, the Redditor's decision to seek revenge highlights the emotional fallout of feeling wronged and the importance of rebuilding trust in relationships.

They were accused of being behind on their rent on several occasions.

After multiple break-ins, the property manager refused to allow the OP to change the locks for their safety.

Conflict resolution strategies can provide valuable tools for managing disputes effectively.

Psychological studies emphasize the importance of negotiation skills and open dialogue in resolving conflicts.

In this scenario, a more constructive approach involving open communication might have prevented feelings of betrayal and anger.

The Redditor says the agent treated them poorly and didn't provide basic maintenance for the property.

In the meantime, the OP had been saving and managed to purchase a flat of their own.

What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP was wrong for being dishonest about their cats, or was the property manager being entirely unreasonable here?

As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.

There was already a tenant living in the flat, so it would take some time before the OP could move in.

It was a tricky situation because the Redditor knew they would be forced to pay extra fees if they broke their current lease, and the tenant of their new flat also needed time to find a new place.

They arrived home one day to find a notice stating that they would need to remove the cats from the property, or the property manager would request their eviction.

The OP panicked at first, but then they remembered they had been looking for a way to break the lease anyway.

So, the OP asked the tenant of their flat if they would be interested in renting the unit they were leaving, and the tenant agreed.

The Redditor asked the property manager if this would be possible, and they said no, even though it would have been in their best interest.

The OP agreed to go before the Tribunal for eviction, which, of course, the property manager wasn't expecting.

When it came time for the hearing, the OP ensured they were well-prepared with all relevant information and documents.

When the judge asked the property manager how long the OP had been living in the unit, she said one and a half years.

The property manager began rifling through her records but couldn't find the details.

When the cats were mentioned, the OP admitted to being dishonest but explained that they had been a comfort, considering all the break-ins.

They told the judge they had other accommodation to go to but needed some time to move.

When questioned, the property manager told the judge she did not have approval to have the OP evicted from the property.

The judge told her that if they couldn't get approval from the owner, they would not be able to proceed any further.

The property manager turned bright red and was clearly stressed because she knew the owner was difficult to contact.

By that point, the property manager realized she had made a big mistake.

The Redditor asked if the eviction date could be set for after the date they could move into their new flat, and the judge agreed.

As the judge walked out of the room, she said to the OP, "No harm in a little cat."

After signing the necessary paperwork, the OP turned to the property manager and said, "Nice seeing you, Janet," before leaving the room.

After the OP moved out, they left a card (with a cat on it) with the key taped inside for the property manager.

The property manager tried to claim the OP's bond for laughable reasons, but they were unable to get away with it.

Here's how people reacted.

Reddit/Shadowdoom286

"Mind-blowing."

Reddit/Lord_Anarchy

That's strange.

Reddit/Babkine

"Well done, OP!"

Reddit/Raichu7

So, we're just gonna pretend the OP didn't lie?

Reddit/zenbaptist

Psychological Analysis

This situation exemplifies how misunderstandings can quickly escalate into conflicts. The emotional turmoil experienced by the Redditor reflects the broader challenges of navigating trust in landlord-tenant relationships.

It's essential for individuals to communicate openly and work toward rebuilding trust to prevent similar situations in the future.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

This account highlights the critical role of communication and trust in resolving conflicts.

By fostering open dialogue and understanding, individuals can navigate disputes more successfully and enhance their relationships.