Sorry, No Fob, No Entry: The Hilariously Petty Tale of Apartment Security and One Forgetful Neighbor
If you’ve ever lived in a secured apartment building, you know the drill: No fob, no entry. It's a simple rule that keeps everyone safe and sound. But what happens when one tenant continually forgets their fob, relying on the kindness (or rule-breaking) of others to get inside? Well, Reddit user u/Huge-Area-5825 had enough—leading to a deliciously petty and oh-so-satisfying showdown that’s got the internet talking.
Let’s just say, sometimes following the rules can feel like a small act of rebellion... especially when you do it with a smile.
A Fob-Less Folly: When Forgetfulness Meets Firm Boundaries
Living in a locked apartment building means responsibility. You're not just protecting your own stuff—you're looking out for your neighbors too. The protagonist of this story, a 21-year-old woman, knows this all too well. In her building, the rule is crystal clear: Don’t let anyone in unless they have their fob. No exceptions, not even for other tenants. Why? Because safety first, and also because, as she points out, you can literally lose your apartment if you break this rule.
Enter the unnamed male tenant, forever fob-less and perpetually hoping someone will bend the rules for him. This guy’s routine? Forget his fob, hang around the entrance, and wait for a kind soul (or a forgetful security guard) to let him in. It’s like Groundhog Day with more passive-aggressive eye contact.
But on this particular day, the stars aligned. There was no staff, no security, and our protagonist was just heading out for a quick drink. The fob-less wonder tailed her to the gas station and back, even asking for a smoke (he’s probably not even old enough to buy them). When she returned, he tried to slip in behind her. Instead, she shut the door right in his face.
Was it petty? Maybe. Was it justified? Absolutely.
The Fallout: Rules, Reactions, and Righteousness
Predictably, the next morning brought fireworks. The fob-less tenant unleashed his fury at the staff, who—spoiler alert—sided with the rule-follower. Our hero, never missing a beat, tossed over her shoulder, “They warned you to remember your fob,” and walked out smiling, leaving him to stew in his own forgetfulness.
But let’s pause for a moment and look at the reactions. The internet, as it does, had thoughts. Some accused her of being cold-hearted, others called her names (which she hilariously shut down in her own edits—“You think I want to be homeless? No, shut up.”). But the building staff? They made it clear: She did the right thing, and if the fob-less fellow ever tries to escalate, security will have her back.
Why This Petty Revenge Resonates
What makes this story so satisfying? For starters, it’s a masterclass in setting boundaries. Too often, we feel pressured to be “nice”—even when it means breaking rules or putting ourselves at risk. Our protagonist refused to play along, choosing her own security (and housing!) over someone else’s laziness. It’s the kind of petty that’s actually principled.
Plus, let’s be real: Everyone’s had a neighbor who thinks the rules don’t apply to them. Whether it’s blasting music at 2am, snagging your Amazon packages, or, yes, expecting free entry every time they forget their fob, these micro-annoyances add up. Sometimes, the most satisfying revenge is simply... not helping.
The Takeaway: Kindness Isn’t Complicity
Some may argue that shutting the door on a neighbor feels harsh. But when kindness is expected, not appreciated—and especially when it puts you at risk? It’s not just okay to say no, it’s necessary. In a world where boundaries are constantly tested, maybe we could all take a page from u/Huge-Area-5825’s playbook: Stick to the rules, smile while you do it, and never let guilt make you homeless.
Your Turn: Where Do You Draw the Line?
Have you ever had to enforce a rule while others rolled their eyes? Did you feel like the villain for doing the right thing? Drop your own stories in the comments—let’s swap tales of petty revenge, boundary-setting, and the secret satisfaction of following the rules.
After all, sometimes the pettiest victories are the sweetest.
What’s your take? Would you have let the forgetful tenant in, or slammed the door with a smile? Sound off below!
Original Reddit Post: Tenant in the apartment building i live in forgets fob daily and i shut them out