Roommate Revenge: Why Taking in a “Free Spirit” Isn’t Worth the Headache (Or the WiFi Wars)

Young man moving into a new room, reflecting the challenges of taking in a roommate after a breakup.
A photorealistic depiction of a young man settling into his new room, embodying the complexities and potential pitfalls of taking in a roommate after a breakup. This image captures the essence of unexpected living arrangements and the emotional journey that comes with them.

There’s a special kind of optimism that comes with opening your home to a friend (or, in this case, your friend’s ex). You might imagine cozy dinners, deep conversations, and maybe a little extra rent money padding your pockets. But as one Redditor learned the hard way, sometimes all you get is a rude awakening, a filthy bathroom, and a fish tank you didn’t ask for.

If you’ve ever thought, “How bad could it really be?” when considering taking in a down-on-their-luck acquaintance, buckle up for this juicy tale of petty revenge, WiFi warfare, and the ultimate eviction energy.

The Generous Roommate Trap: A Cautionary Tale

Our story starts with a classic—someone being too nice for their own good. Reddit user u/HollyGoLightlyCrazy’s friend began dating a younger guy with a strong “stick it to the man” attitude. You know the type: all about fighting the system, but not so keen on fighting grime in the bathroom. After the romance fizzled, guilt got the best of our OP (original poster), who agreed to house the ex for a steal—just $750 a month, when local rooms were going for $1,800.

At first glance, it sounds like a win-win. But as anyone who’s ever dealt with a “free spirit” roommate can attest, there’s usually a catch. In this case, it was a guest bathroom that quickly morphed into a biohazard zone and a tenant who thought scrubbing the tub was an infringement on his personal liberty.

When “Against the Man” Means “Against Cleaning”

Let’s be real: everyone has quirks, but there’s a special frustration that comes with someone who rails against “the man” while refusing to clean up after themselves. Our OP was faced with the classic roommate conundrum: how do you get your tenant to clean without turning into a nagging landlord? The solution? Cold, hard cash—or rather, the threat of charging him for a maid.

But the ironies didn’t stop there. Mr. “Fight the Power” eventually took… you guessed it… a job working for “the man.” The hypocrisy practically wrote itself, but the real fun was yet to come.

Petty Revenge, Served Cold (and Disconnected)

As OP juggled a new master’s degree program, the one thing she relied on was a steady internet connection. Her roommate’s only responsibility? Paying the internet bill. So, when he decided to cut the cord early—turning off the internet late on a Friday before moving out, knowing OP couldn’t restore it until Monday—it was the ultimate passive-aggressive power play.

This, friends, is where the story turns from frustrating to fabulously petty. On his way out, our antihero asked if he could leave his “fancy fish tank” until Monday. OP’s response? A resounding NOPE. If he left it, he’d find it sitting on the doorstep. Bye, fishy.

There’s something deliciously poetic about this ending. After all the mess, inconvenience, and hypocrisy, OP didn’t just take the high road—she took the petty path, and honestly, who could blame her?

Lessons Learned: Roommate Red Flags and the Art of Petty Justice

What can we learn from this saga (besides “never trust someone who rails against ‘the man’ but won’t take out the trash”)?

  • Don’t let guilt make your housing decisions. Your space is your sanctuary. Protect it!
  • Cheap rent is rarely worth your peace of mind. That extra $1,000 a month wasn’t just for square footage—it was for sanity.
  • Petty revenge, when well-deserved, can be downright therapeutic. Sometimes, the only way to fight back is with a little poetic justice (and a fish tank on the porch).

Conclusion: Share Your Roommate Nightmares!

Have you ever taken in a friend, only to discover they were a walking disaster? What’s your best (or worst) petty revenge story? Drop your tales in the comments and let’s swap horror stories—you never know who needs to hear that “no” is a complete sentence, especially when it comes to spare bedrooms.

And remember: if your roommate asks to leave behind a “fancy fish tank,” just say no. Trust us, you’ll sleep better.


Ready to spill your own roommate revenge stories? Let’s hear them below!


Original Reddit Post: User roommate and why not to take someone in being kicked out.