Redditor Creeped Out By Landlord Acting Like Mom, Deals With Early Curfews And Loud Door Alarm That Activates Whenever Door Opens

"She also insists I have my schoolmates over for dinner so she can meet them."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• September 16, 2023

In a certain Reddit post from the r/relationships subreddit, we are thrust into the perplexing world of a tenant whose landlord behaves more like a mother figure, resulting in an increasingly uncomfortable living situation.

The story begins with the tenant, OP, initially excited about renting a room from a woman and her preteen son, who appeared sweet and welcoming. However, things quickly take a strange turn as the landlord begins displaying a level of familiarity that the tenant finds unsettling.

The landlord's behavior includes insisting on being informed of OP's whereabouts and inviting them to family meals, even referring to the tenant as her son's "big sister."

The situation escalates when the landlord imposes an early curfew of 8:30 PM (9 PM on weekends) and installs loud alarms on the doors to prevent disturbances. While OP understands the need for peace and quiet, the manner in which this curfew is introduced raises concerns.

OP feels constrained, especially given their demanding schedule due to intensive studies, extracurricular activities, and a potential part-time job. The landlord's lack of understanding regarding OP's commitments adds to the tension.

In response, OP seeks ways to avoid the curfew, such as staying with school friends and returning home in the morning. However, the landlord disapproves of these arrangements, expressing concerns about OP's safety and insisting on meeting the tenant's friends.

OP is left feeling overwhelmed and intruded upon, grappling with the landlord's expectation of them fitting into a role they are not comfortable with. While alternatives to the living situation are explored, they face challenges due to the advanced stage of the semester and financial constraints.

Just take a look at the original post and comments...

OP rents a room with a woman and her preteen son. The problem: the former has started to act like she's OP's own mom.

She instituted an 8:30 curfew and installed loud alarms on doors to prevent disruptions. She then started making some comments about a foreign exchange program, implying that she wanted to kick OP out.

OP's main issue is obtaining control over the alarm system to avoid disturbing her, as their hectic schedule, including classes and part-time work, clashes with the early curfew.

They have conflicting schedules, with OP needing to work and study extensively, while the landlord is a stay-at-home mom.

OP has been staying with friends due to the early curfew, but the mother's requests to meet their friends and concerns about safety are uncomfortable.

Finding a new place is hard, leaving OP unsure about how to handle the situation.

Scroll on to see what people had to say!

Here's a TLDR:

This situation sounds like the start of a bad Lifetime movie plot.

The landlord's controlling tendencies are getting as dramatic as a movie script.

"You gotta move out."

But that's so weird...

Even a 9 PM weekend curfew is excessive for a 15-year-old, let alone a young adult.

Regardless, it's still unreasonable.

A weekend curfew at 9 PM for a young adult is just unreal!

Seems like the foreign exchange program could be the escape plan here.

Indeed, the situation seems far from ordinary. Moving out might be the best move to regain a sense of normalcy and personal space.

Given the landlord's overstepping, it might be advisable for OP to seek a new place before the landlord decides on the foreign exchange program.

If the curfew's not in the lease, OP has the upper hand. It's time to assert their rights and disarm that alarm code from the landlord.

The month-to-month lease is indeed a potential hurdle. OP should consider negotiating or finding a new place to avoid the landlord's overbearing behavior.

The eviction rules vary by state, so OP should definitely check the local laws to see if they have any protection against an eviction in this situation.

Month-to-month leases allow either party to give one month's notice, providing flexibility in this situation. Tenant's got some options to consider!

This situation is undeniably bizarre, with the landlord steadily encroaching on the tenant's life and vice versa.

OP's approach seems like the perfect script for resolving the situation while maintaining respect and boundaries.

Once OP decides to move, the landlord's reaction may include shock, blame, or attempts to negotiate.

It does have that eerie setup, doesn't it?

Assertiveness is key here! A clear statement of boundaries and an exit plan should help OP steer clear of this overbearing role-reversal situation.

Couch surfing might just be the more appealing option until the semester ends!

The situation is beyond overstepping; it's absurd.

OP should assert themselves and find a better living arrangement.

"She's a freakin nut case..."

Boundaries, boundaries!

"She's crazy."

This situation definitely paints a vivid picture of a boundary-crossing landlord-tenant relationship, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of asserting one's independence in shared living spaces. Do you have a similar story to share?

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia