The internet was shattered when a landlord refused to reimburse his tenant while he was staying in a hotel room.
Posted on Reddit r/AmITheA**hole forum, a landlord under the anonymous username u/SheHadaStaycation shared his story to get feedback from the “AITA” community. The viral post has more than 7,000 upvotes and 2,000 comments.
The Reddit user started their story by saying that they had rented an extra room to a woman for $800 a month. The original poster (OP) wrote how they work at the same company but hardly see each other because they have different hours.
One day the water heater broke and the home warranty folks couldn’t get to his house for a few days, so the OP and His roommate he would have to deal with cold water for a few days. When the landlord texted her roommate about the situation, she responded with a thumbs-up emoji.
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The OP said, “I didn’t see her all weekend, which is normal, like I said. The guy showed up at 8am. She hits me with this gem: ‘My hotel bill was $250. Do you want reimburse me now or deduct it from next month’s rent?’ I stared at the text for a long time. I didn’t even know he was gone. Got a hotel room just for hot water? That’s so extra.”
“He could have showered at work, but did he get a hotel room? I texted him, ‘Hey, I didn’t know you left. Rent is still due in full on the first of the month, regardless of whether you choose sleep somewhere else for a weekend.’ She replied “there was no water. I couldn’t stay there. You are my landlord and you have to provide me with a livable accommodation.” I texted him, “There was water, but it wasn’t hot. If it was winter, you may be right. Rent is still due in full. If I don’t pay the rent, I’ll have to file a lawsuit in court, which will affect your credit.” they continued.
Tenant stopped responding after text from landlord. When they asked his friend about it, they said the OP was “too harsh” and should have allowed a discount.
news week contacted au/SheHadaStaycation for comment.
Most states have laws about of a tenant vital space. According to Nolo.com, a livable home must meet basic requirements, including a roof that keeps out bad weather, enough hot water, reliable heating, sturdy floors and walls that won’t collapse, protection from unwanted intrusions, and free from environmental hazards. such as lead and mold. This is also called the Implied Warranty of Habitability.
If landlords don’t give tenants a place to live, this allows tenants to withhold rent, sue the landlord, terminate the lease, or pay for damages themselves, and then deduct the cost from their rent.
Reddit users took to the comments section to write their thoughts on the OP’s situation.
“[Everyone sucks here]. You need to learn your responsibility as an owner. She needs to talk to you before expecting a refund for a hotel. You both need to learn to communicate,” u/IAmHerdingCatz wrote, receiving the top comment of over 11,000 upvotes.
“[Everyone sucks here]. You don’t mind a cold shower. That’s fine, but you suck for assuming your tenant feels the same way. She sucks for being passive-aggressive with the $250,” said u/Embarrassed-Sweet905.
U/Bosscat727 defended the OP and wrote: “[Not the a**hole]. Water was available. You don’t owe him anything for that hotel. No one told him to get a $250 room.”
“[Not the a**hole!] Didn’t you force her to take a hotel room and there was also water? And it wasn’t your fault the water didn’t work, so she can’t blame you. And you weren’t even with her at the hotel, why should you pay? You should get a new roommate, she screams trouble,” exclaimed u/Lixnca.
“You must know and abide by the terms of the lease and local laws. Assuming you do, a reasonable offer would have been a proportional rent reduction. Say, three days (or about $80). That would have recognized the problem, It would have been fair and probably defused the situation. Instead, you now have a hostile roommate. [You’re the a**hole]”u/tropicaldiver explained.