When Paige moved into her old flat, she immediately noticed the lack of a washing machine and dishwasher. Deciding it wasn’t a problem, she bought her own appliances. But when moving day came and she tried to take it with her, her cheeky former landlord caused quite a scandal, not realising Paige had a lesson in store for him.
I was 25 and having my own flat was a breath of fresh air after a year living under the oppression of my old landlord, Mr Robinson. What can I say? That’s a whole other story.
Hi, my name is Paige.
When I first saw this flat, Mr Robinson greeted me on the doorstep looking like he was doing me a huge favour by renting it out.
Welcome, Paige,” he smiled. – You’re going to love it here. It’s a great neighbourhood.
There was enough room for one person, but the place was shabby: paint peeling off the walls, old furniture barely holding together, and the smell of dust that said it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks.
When I walked into the kitchen, I noticed the lack of appliances.
There’s no washing machine or dishwasher? – I asked.
Mr Robinson shrugged:
Most of the tenants don’t bother with it. There’s a launderette next door, you can always go there.
But it’s a terrible inconvenience. I work evenings and weekends, I don’t have time to do it,” I frowned.
He dismissed it:
Well, it’s not a luxury apartment complex. But for that kind of money, it’s the best. You’ll get used to it.
There was no point in arguing. I nodded, but I was determined not to spend hours on laundry and loads of dishes.
After I moved in, I used the last of my savings and tips for night shifts to buy a washing machine and a dishwasher.
A couple of days later, Mr Robinson came to check on me.
Is everything all right? – He asked, looking into the kitchen.
Yes,” I said. – I just wanted to tell him I’d bought a washing machine and a dishwasher.
His eyebrows went up:
‘Really? Well, take care of them.
Sure,” I smiled.
He took a good look at the appliances:
You must have spent a lot.
Yeah,” I nodded. – But it’s worth it.
He nodded back, but I could tell he wasn’t happy about it.
A month passed. I found a flat closer to work and gave notice to move out.
The day of the move, I started to switch off my cars. And then Mr Robinson burst in like a hurricane.
Where do you think you’re going with the appliances?! – he yelled. – It’s part of the flat now!
I straightened up, crossing my arms:
I’m sorry, what? I bought them myself. They’re mine.
They’ve been standing here long enough. They belong to the flat now! If you take them, I’ll deduct their value from your deposit!
I was shocked:
You have no right! I notified you that they were my purchases!
But he was adamant:
I’ll deduct the deposit! Try to argue!
I was seething with anger:
Fine! – I shouted. – I’ll hire a lawyer!
He just laughed:
You? A regular waitress? We’ll see!
Of course, I didn’t have the money for a lawyer. But I knew I wouldn’t just give up.
The next day, I called my friend Kevin, a handyman.
Can you believe it,” I told him. – Robinson wants me to leave the equipment.
That guy’s lost his fear,” Kevin sighed. – But I have an idea.
An hour later Kevin was at my place.
First we disconnect the hoses and wires,” he explained. – We’ll leave the hulls and take the important stuff.
We carefully removed all the necessary parts. The job didn’t take long.
Perfect,” Kevin grinned.
This is going to be a surprise for Mr Robinson,” I giggled.
Oh, yeah,” he laughed. – He wouldn’t notice anything right away.
Two days later, as I was settling into my new flat, the phone rang. Mr Robinson’s number.
I sighed and answered:
Hello?
Paige! Paige, please! Don’t do this! I won’t find the parts, and I need these cars for the new tenants!
I was being naive:
What are you talking about? I just took what was mine.
Please! I’ll pay back your deposit!
I paused:
I’ll think about it.
A few hours later, he called again – now almost sobbing:
I’ll give you back your entire deposit and another $200 on top! Just get the details back! Otherwise I’ll lose the tenants!
I pretended to think long and hard:
Okay. I’ll meet you at the flat.
When I arrived, he was literally thrashing about. I brought a box of parts, but first I demanded cash.
He handed me the cash and immediately looked in the box… and turned pale:
There’s more! Where are the cords?!
I shrugged:
They must have got lost somewhere. Maybe I’ll find them in a week or two.
You can’t do that! – he howled.
I looked him straight in the eye:
Remember, Mr Robinson, who first tried to take someone else’s property. It’s a lesson from the ‘stupid waitress’ to respect other people’s property.
He stood there with a twisted face, and I proudly walked away.
That evening, I met up with Kevin.
Imagine,‘ he laughed, ’he really thought he could keep your equipment!
But now I’m in a new place, without him and his arrogance,” I replied, raising my glass.
We clinked glasses and laughed. It was a new stage – free and joyful.
Always remember: respecting other people’s property is important, no matter who you are.
What would you do if you were me?