Paige immediately spotted an empty washer and dishwasher in her old apartment. She bought her own appliances thinking it would be easy. When she tried to take them with her when she moved out, her entitled ex-landlord fought her, unaware that she would teach him a lesson.
After a year under Mr. Grady, my landlord, I was relieved to acquire my own house at 25. I’ll tell you the tale.
My name is Paige.
My prior flat lacked a washer and the dishwasher. Mr. Grady greeted me when I arrived. He looked smug like he was helping me by renting it out.
“Welcome, Paige,” Mr. Grady smiled. “You’ll enjoy it here. Excellent neighborhood.”
The home had adequate room for one person, but the paint was peeling and the furniture was worn. It seems the apartment hadn’t been cleaned in weeks.
I noticed the missing items immediately when I looked around the kitchen.
“We don’t have a washing machine or dishwasher?” I requested.
Mr. Grady shrugged. “Most tenants don’t mind. He suggested the street laundry.
But it’s inconvenient. I work nights and weekends. I frowned and said a washing machine and dishwasher would save me time.
His wave was contemptuous. It’s not a luxury condo, but it’s the finest for the price. Also, you’ll get used to the laundromat. It’s okay.”
It was pointless to argue with him. While nodding, I thought, I’m not spending hours at the laundromat every week or doing dishes when work is so busy.
We bought a washing machine and dishwasher after moving in. It took most of my savings and late-night waitressing, but it was worth it.
Mr. Grady checked in a few days later.
“Everything okay?” he inquired, looking into the kitchen.
“Yep,” I said. “Just wanted to let you know I bought a washing machine and dishwasher.”
His eyebrows raised. “Really? Well, look after them.”
I answered, “Don’t worry, I will,” smiling.
“Looks like you must have spent a lot on those,” he observed, looking at the appliances. I felt awkward.
“Yeah, I did,” I said. But it’s worthwhile. Lots of time and work saved.”
He nodded slowly. I hope you like these. Remember, you’re responsible.”
“Of course,” I answered, smiling, but I had a sense he wasn’t delighted about my new additions.
Step forward one month. Mr. Grady was notified of my move to a better apartment near work. I removed my washing machine and dishwasher on moving day.
Mr. Grady barged in as I unplugged the washer.
“Where do you think you’re going with those?” He demanded. “They belong to the apartment now.”
I stood, hands on hips. Excuse me? Purchased with my own money. I claimed them.
They’ve been here long enough. Now they’re apartment residents! Take them, and I’ll subtract the amount from your security deposit.”
Hearing this was unbelievable. Can’t do that. Those are my appliances. Even told you I bought them!” I said helplessly.
Grady didn’t listen.
“The cost will be deducted. He threatened me, “Good luck arguing otherwise.”
Frustration rose within. “Fine!” I yelled, losing control. “If you’re so adamant, I’ll get a lawyer to sort this out.”
His laughter began. “You? An idiot waitress?” “We’ll see about that.”
I was furious he ignored me. Despite knowing I couldn’t afford a lawyer, I wouldn’t allow him bully me. I needed to stand up for myself and keep what was mine.
I called my handyman friend Kevin the next day.
“Can you believe it?” I said. “Mr. Grady thinks he can just take my appliances and get away with it.”
Kevin sighed. “He’s incredible. Worry not, Paige. Actually, I have a thought.”
“Okay, but when can you come over?” I requested.
“I can be there in an hour,” Kevin said. “We’ll sort this out.”
Kevin arrived at my apartment and we started working. Mr. Grady was out, perfect for our plan. Kevin turned off the washer and dishwasher.
“Let’s remove the power cords and hoses,” Kevin said. The shells will be left behind while we remove the essentials. They’ll appear but not work.”
“Good idea. Yes, “I nodded.
As we worked, Kevin inquired, “So, what exactly did Mr. Grady say?”
Kevin laughed and shook his head as I told him everything.
“That’s classic Robinson,” he said. “My friends say he’s like that with every tenant. Always demanding more than he deserves. He’ll learn a lot this time.”
We meticulously removed both appliances’ vital parts. Kevin instructed me, and I did it. We had everything we needed quickly.
Kevin said, “Perfect,” admiring our work.
I grin. “Mr. Grady is going to be in for a surprise.”
Kevin chuckled. “Yep! But he won’t realize what hit him until it’s too late.”
The parts were packed and we departed the flat. I imagined Mr. Grady’s reaction to our present as we left.
“Do you think he’ll figure it out right away?” I questioned Kevin.
“Probably not,” Kevin said. “He’s too focused on getting his way to notice the details.”
But two days later, my phone rang when I was settling into my new apartment. Mr. Grady.
I breathed deeply before responding since I knew why he was calling. “Hello?”
Begged, “Please, DON’T DO THIS!” “I’ll never find the parts, and I need those appliances to work for the new tenants, Paige!”
I acted stupid. I don’t understand, Mr. Grady. I stole what was mine.”
Come back and fix this!” he begged. “I’ll give you your security deposit back!”
I smiled and told him I took the portions. I didn’t accept his offer immediately away. I said I’d think about it and hung up. Another call came a few hours later.
Sir Grady was nearly crying this time.
“I’ll return your full security deposit and give you an additional $200 for the inconvenience,” said. Come as quickly as possible and deliver me those bits. Or I’ll lose a lot.”
I feigned to hesitate. “Okay, I’ll meet you at the apartment,” I say.
I found Mr. Grady anxiously waiting. I made sure he gave me the cash before giving me the box of parts. He accepted the box from me with relief.
He said, “Thank you, Paige,” opening the box. His face sank when he noticed the contents.
He said, “This isn’t everything!” “Where are the power cords?”
I shrugged. “I must have lost them. I must find them. Maybe a week or two?”
“You can’t do this!” Mr. Grady had a red face of frustration.
So I stared him in the eye. “Mr. Grady, you tried to steal my stuff first. Learn from a’stupid waitress’ to respect others’ property.”
I turned and left, triumphant. He stood stunned. Mr. Grady would have to hustle to repair the parts, costing him more than letting me keep my goods.
His lesson was learned. There was more.
Later that night, I thanked Kevin. Mr. Grady’s ridiculousness was laughed at as we reminisced all evening.
“Can you believe he actually thought he could keep your appliances?” Kevin shook his head.
“I know, right?” I answered. “It feels good to have stood up to him and won.”
Kevin nods. You did well. Mr. Grady is gone, welcome to your new flat!”
We raised our glasses to new beginnings, jubilant and ready for anything.
Respecting others’ property is crucial regardless of their status.