Irresponsible Landlady

Jillian Chinnici

Modern | Completed

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After graduating from university, due to financial constraints, I rented a one bedroom apartment in the old city area. On the second day of living, I found a cigarette butt at home. After I explained the whole story to the landlord, she blamed me for making a mountain out of a molehill and bothering her with even the smallest things. He also said, 'What are you afraid of? You should behave yourself and no one will come to criticize you, okay?'

Family Modern

Chapter 9

10-31 14:25

Chapter 1

After graduating from university, I moved into a one-bedroom apartment in the old town to manage my tight budget.

On just my second day there, I found a cigarette butt in my apartment.

When I informed the landlady, she dismissed my concerns as trivial.

"What are you worried about? If you mind your own business, nothing bad will happen to you," she retorted.

I stared at the cigarette butt in the trash, puzzled.

It was only my second day living here. I was single, lived alone, and had no visitors. How could a cigarette butt appear out of nowhere?

The only other person who had been in my apartment was the landlady, a woman in her fifties.

After exhausting all other possibilities, I decided to text the landlady.

"Auntie, do you smoke?"

She responded with a voice message.

"No, I don't. Why?"

"A cigarette butt mysteriously appeared in my apartment. If you don't smoke, I'm curious how it got here."

She replied impatiently, "You've only been here one day, and you're already causing trouble?"

"Please come over and take a look."

After much persuasion, the landlady finally agreed to come over.

I explained the situation briefly, but she just rolled her eyes.

"What are you worried about? If you mind your own business, nothing bad will happen to you," she repeated.

Her gaze then lingered on my shorts, with a disapproving look.

"Dressed like that, who are you trying to seduce?"

"If there's no trouble, trouble won't find you. You young women need to be more careful and mindful of your actions."

The landlady was short and plump, and she tried to maintain her dignity by lifting her chin high.

Anger bubbled inside me.

"Only you and I have been in this apartment. If neither of us smokes, then I can't explain this. I'll call the police. Maybe a thief broke in?"

The landlady's expression changed at the mention of the police.

"No, you can't."

"If you call the police, even if there's nothing wrong, it will become a big deal. This whole building belongs to me. If word gets out, it will ruin my reputation. How will I rent out the apartments then?"

"You're just a recent graduate with a modest salary. Can you afford to compensate for my losses?"

Her disdain was palpable.

"Auntie, why are you so opposed to me calling the police?"

"Unless..."

I scrutinized the landlady again, noting her defiant posture meant to hide her unease.

"Does this have something to do with you?"

Her voice suddenly shot up.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

"Otherwise, why are you so nervous?"

Unable to win the argument, she threw a tantrum.

"I won't argue with you anymore. If you want to call the police, then move out."

This landlady was unbelievably difficult. I couldn't help but wonder what other troubles might emerge in the future.

After thinking it over, I decided, "Fine, I'll move."

The landlady's eyes sparkled with triumph on hearing this.

"Alright, pack your things quickly."

"My apartments are in high demand. If you don't rent, there are plenty of others who will."

"But let me make it clear, the deposit and rent are non-refundable."

This was outrageous. I had never heard of non-refundable rent.

"But I've only lived here for a day."

She looked down at me imperiously. "Even if it's just a few hours, it doesn't matter. Do you think this is some kind of joke?"

Gritting my teeth, I gave in. "Then I won't move. Is that okay?"

She sneered, "I've dealt with your type before."

I wanted to argue but knew it would be futile.

The rent was nearly five thousand, paid three months in advance along with the deposit. My mother had helped me with the money.

If I moved out, the landlady would pocket five thousand.

Making five thousand a day just by being obnoxious? Most people have to work really hard for that. She just wanted to take my five thousand with a few words. How could there be such a good deal in the world?