How One Tenant Outsmarted Their Slumlord’s Greedy Rent Hike (and Left Him Holding the Keys)
When you think of office horror stories, maybe you picture endless Zoom calls, awkward coffee machine encounters, or that one coworker who microwaves tuna at lunch. But for Reddit user u/whatcolorismyshirt, the real nightmare was their landlord—a bona fide slumlord who treated their building like a forgotten relic and their tenants like afterthoughts.
In a tale that’s as satisfying as it is petty, this group of tenants turned the tables on their greedy landlord, serving up a slice of sweet, low-key revenge that’ll have anyone who’s ever dealt with a bad landlord cheering from their desk chair.
The Office from Hell (But Cheap!)
Let’s set the scene: Our narrators were renting an office in a building that could charitably be described as “vintage.” Think: peeling paint, questionable odors, and neighbors whose idea of quiet hours was more of a suggestion than a rule. The walls probably remembered Nixon’s resignation. But hey, the rent was low, and business was good, so they tolerated the chaos.
Their lease had expired years ago, but the landlord never bothered with paperwork. Month to month? Sure. Building codes? Probably not. The landlord’s laissez-faire approach meant tenants could operate in peace—if peace means ignoring broken radiators and the occasional rodent sighting.
The Slumlord’s Greedy Gambit
Enter the plot twist: Just 24 days before the start of the new year, the landlord sent a text. Not an email. Not a phone call. A text. He announced that the rent was doubling and demanded a new lease be signed by January 1st. Oh, and if they didn’t want to sign, they’d have to give him 30 days’ notice.
If you’re keeping score, that’s less notice than a Netflix price hike, and with about as much sympathy.
The Petty Revenge Plan is Hatched
Faced with this ultimatum, our heroes did what anyone fed up with a slumlord would do: They decided to leave. But not quietly—and certainly not on the landlord’s timeline.
With speed and efficiency that would make moving companies jealous, they found a new, shiny office just around the corner. They packed up their stuff, and—here’s the cherry on top—helped themselves to a few decorative items left behind by a previous tenant. (It’s not stealing if it’s been abandoned, right?)
Since there was no lease, there were no move-out penalties. They didn’t deep clean, but they didn’t trash the place either. They simply vanished. The landlord, too lazy to keep records or even collect the keys, was none the wiser.
Jan 1st: The Final Blow
On the first of January, instead of a signed lease or a fat new rent check, the slumlord got a text: “We’ve vacated the building.” No forwarding address. No keys returned. No fuss.
The landlord was left with an empty, crumbling office and a handful of missing tchotchkes. Petty? Maybe. Satisfying? Absolutely.
Lessons from the Landlord Wars
So what can we learn from this masterclass in petty revenge?
- Don’t Underestimate the Power of Petty: Sometimes, the best revenge is simply playing by the same lazy rules as your adversary.
- Slumlords Beware: If you neglect your tenants long enough, don’t be surprised when they neglect you right back.
- Always Read the Fine Print (Or Make Sure It Exists): That expired lease meant the tenants had the upper hand. No paperwork, no penalties!
Your Turn: Have You Ever Gotten Revenge on a Landlord?
If you’ve ever fantasized about getting back at a bad landlord, consider this story your inspiration. Sometimes, the best move is to walk away (with your dignity—and maybe a few decorative items—intact).
Have you ever had a landlord try to pull a fast one? Did you dream up the perfect petty revenge? Share your stories in the comments below or tag us on social media with your best tales from the rental trenches!
Bad landlords, beware: Tenants everywhere are taking notes—and maybe a few souvenirs.
Found this story satisfying? Hit share and spread the petty joy!
Original Reddit Post: Slumlord tried to double our rent