A handwritten checklist instructing to replace broken blinds, clear non-patio items from the porch, and move furniture two feet away from windows to ensure access.
via Canva

Sometimes, the polite reminders from landlords don’t seem to cut it. And I’m not so sure why? It seems like in this grand ole existing as human being experience, some people can embrace with a reckless abandon the circus of making other people’s lives unnecessarily difficult. It’s really just so extra. We don’t need it. If a landlord appoints themselves while on an ego power trip to go after one of their tenants, well that’s just messed up too. Then, there are some shining examples of landlords who are actually lighting people up with goodness too.

1. This landlord dished out a threat on a former tenant over an allegedly accurate review, wow

A text exchange shows someone asking for a review to be removed in exchange for compensation. The other person refuses, saying it helps future tenants. The first person threatens to post a review at the other’s workplace.
bombardier98 / Via reddit.com

2. Apparently one light bulb runs a hefty tab these days

A document showing security deposits held, outstanding charges for maintenance services and supplies, and the total refund or amount owed to the tenant. Amounts and dates are itemized in a table format.
u/ivymariex/via reddit.com

3. This landlord refused to allow heaters or electric blankets in the dead of winter, then encouraged roommates to narc on each other.

A text message warns tenants that heaters and electric blankets are not allowed in the apartment due to high wattage. Violators will be asked to vacate. A thumbs-up emoji reply is shown.
u/shadowmosis / Via reddit.com

4. This building owner from Toronto is begging to get paid rent.

A handwritten note explains that the tenant is $1,000 behind on rent. The landlord cannot afford to pay the mortgage, taxes, maintenance, etc. without the rent and is on the verge of bankruptcy.
toronto/via reddit.com

5. This building’s front door always has these notes.

A handwritten sign taped to a glass door reads, "Please Do Not pull on Door With Key," with "Not" underlined for emphasis. Sunlight and outdoor reflections are visible on the glass.
apartmentliving/via reddit.com

6. This guy’s girlfriend’s sister is staying for a few days, and the landlord asked for extra payment on rent

A printed resident account update form on a wooden surface, requesting residents to fill in lease holder and occupant details, including names, contact numbers, and dates of birth. Some text is highlighted in orange.
apartmentliving/via reddit.com

7. These guys have the cutest landlord

A letter to tenants from JBN-T, dated November 28, 2012, announces a $70 rent reduction for December as a holiday gift, with wishes for a happy holiday season and a note about rent returning to normal in January.
pics/via reddit.com

8. This landlord is so nice, he is waiving rent during the pandemic

A text message informs residents that rent is waived for March and April due to the pandemic, encouraging them to use funds for essentials and to help others in need. The message ends with well wishes and is signed by Kate.
humansbeingbros/via reddit.com

9. Trying to understand this letter from the landlord

A letter detailing last month's rent deposit interest payment, showing amounts for interest earned, current rent, last month's rent deposit, payment adjustments, and total payment due. Dated November 20, 2023.
torontorenting/via reddit.com

10. This guy’s landlord is getting excited with the notes, plus adding things that are not in the contract.

A letter to residents reminding them to observe quiet hours from 9:00pm to 7:00am and warning that violations may result in termination of tenancy. The address line is blacked out for privacy.
denver/via reddit.com

11. My neighbor’s door has this note, no idea what he must be doing

A handwritten note taped to a wall asks neighbors to explain late-night drilling and beating on the walls after 10 PM, and politely requests more respect in their shared living space.
apartmentliving/via reddit.com

12. This landlord got into this person’s apartment without notice

A hand holds a lint trap full of hair above an open dryer. Below, texts read: Please clean the dryer, too much hair from your dog. Replies refuse to clean the balcony until June rent is repaid and urge not to enter the property.
mildlyinfuriating/via reddit.com

13. The best note ever from my landlord. No, I am not the culprit.

A typed letter to building residents addresses marijuana smoke odors in hallways, asks tenants to avoid disturbing others, cites lease terms, and provides contact info for questions. A blue highlight covers the contact information at the bottom.
landlordlove/via reddit.com

14. This person is not getting a reference for a new apartment.

A screenshot of a text conversation discussing a reference request for renting a new house. The reply states the current tenancy doesn't expire until 1st January 2024 and a month's notice is required. Some names are redacted.
uklandlords/via reddit.com

15. Everyone is getting these notes from their landlord

A handwritten to-do list on white paper with tasks such as replacing broken blinds, removing porch items, moving furniture from windows, banning candles, cleaning floors, carpets, windows, and ovens, and removing oven storage.
apartmentliving/via reddit.com

Explore more vintage content:

These over-the-top notices remind us that living under someone else’s roof can come with unexpected drama. If you loved this content, check out 28 Clever Comebacks We Wish We Had Thought Of, or 29 Witty Comebacks and Roasts That Deserve Gold Medals.

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent over the last 8 years as both a writer and editor, working in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally maniacal, pigeons. They always have a lot to say. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a new book and/or some friends, or just as easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.

These days Matt’s caught up in trying to provide folks as many vivid glimpses into the days long since passed as he can, through fun and engaging collections of hand-picked vintage photos.