“The Look Of Shock On His Face”: Landlord Loses Everything After Driving His Only Tenant Away

Some people get drunk with power easily. Whether it’s becoming a high-ranking politician or being voted president of the book club, having a position of authority of any kind tends to bring out their arrogant self. 

This appears to have happened to a man called Donald, who suddenly became a landlord to a working university student. He began playing the “my house, my rules” card every chance he had, seemingly without knowing that he was becoming unbearable to be around. 

Sick of his behavior, the tenant moved out without saying a word, leaving Donald regretting his actions, big time. 

No one wants to be around an arrogant person

Young woman with worried expression outdoors, symbolizing regrets over roommate moving out and mortgage struggles

Image credits: Getty Images (not the actual photo)

A university student who ended up being the tenant of a former roommate went through this problem

Text about a guy telling his roommate to move out and regretting it after they actually move due to mortgage affordability.

Text about a guy and his roommate moving out of student halls into a four-bedroom house share with friends.

Text discussing a roommate renting a spare room after a friend bought a place and changes occurring after three years.

Text excerpt about a guy becoming antisocial and friends avoiding him due to his insults and unwanted visitor behavior.

Young man in plaid shirt looks shocked while talking about roommate moving out and mortgage affordability at home.

Image credits: silverkblack (not the actual photo)

The landlord, Donald, began power-tripping

Text excerpt about a roommate agreeing to pay for Sky TV but struggling to afford the shared living costs and mortgage.

Text excerpt about a roommate conflict involving chores and control issues related to mortgage affordability.

Text excerpt discussing a guy insisting roommate follow house rules, highlighting conflict over mortgage affordability.

Text excerpt about a guy telling his roommate to move out, struggling with the mortgage after they actually do.

Person carrying moving box and suitcase up stairs, illustrating roommate move out and mortgage affordability issues.

Image credits: A. C. (not the actual photo)

Fed up with Donald’s behavior, the author abruptly moved out

Text describing a person deciding to move in with a roommate after a friend suggested it, amid financial struggles with mortgage.

Text excerpt about a guy organizing moving out while dealing with roommate and mortgage struggles.

Text excerpt showing a roommate confrontation about moving out after mortgage-related issues cause tension.

Text excerpt about moving out quickly and leaving keys on the coffee table after roommate tells them to move.

Young woman sitting on a sofa with an open notebook using a phone, illustrating roommate mortgage affordability regrets.

Image credits: Andrej Lišakov (not the actual photo)

As for Donald, losing his only tenant left him in a world of regret

Text message exchange about regrets after a roommate moves out and struggles to afford the mortgage in a new home.

Text explaining a roommate who couldn’t afford the mortgage after being asked to move out and regretted it later.

Image credits: [deleted]

People in authority tend to have an inflated sense of confidence in themselves

It’s natural to have a healthy level of self-confidence. In fact, people pride themselves on this trait and attribute it to whatever success they may have experienced in life. 

However, there is also such a thing as overconfidence bias, where a person may overestimate their abilities and knowledge. According to experts like psychologist Dr. Dillon Harper, it is the brain’s defense mechanism against anxiety, and it is also a self-esteem boost. 

It becomes more of an issue when the individual holds a position of power, much like Donald in the story. According to workplace expert Dr. Michelle Gibbings, it only worsens as the person further climbs the totem pole. 

“The more power a person feels, the more confident they are of the accuracy of their thoughts and beliefs. This means people in powerful positions are more confident that their opinions are right,” Dr. Gibbings wrote in an article for her website. 

Going on a power trip may also be a form of self-protection, according to psychotherapist Tina Gilbertson, LPC. She says that dictating how things play out is one way such behavior manifests. 

When dealing with a person who seems to be on a power trip, as Donald did with his tenant, Gilbertson advises showing empathy. In an article for Psychology Today, she encouraged asking questions, like, “Has that person experienced physical harm, emotional pain, or deep disappointment in relationships?”

From there, Gilbertson recommends showing patience toward the person, stating, “people need time, understanding, and acceptance in order to heal.”

The tenant tolerated Donald’s behavior for a while, but it eventually became unbearable to handle. At that point, moving out was, indeed, the only option for the sake of having peace of mind. 

People in the comments had nothing but encouraging words for the author

Text post with user Fianna9 quoting someone named Donald saying contradictory statements about wanting someone to leave but then needing their money in a joke.

Image of a text comment reading What an absolute bawbag in a casual online discussion.

A man keeps telling his roommate to move out and regrets it when they actually leave due to mortgage affordability issues.

Screenshot of online comment saying Well played as guy tells roommate to move out and regrets it over mortgage affordability issues.

A man repeatedly tells his roommate to move out, then regrets it when he can't afford the mortgage alone.

Screenshot of a social media comment about a guy telling his roommate to move out and regretting it over mortgage struggles.

Screenshot of an online comment about a guy regretting telling his roommate to move out due to mortgage affordability issues.

Screenshot of an online comment saying Oh no Consequences by user evetrapeze in a casual forum discussion.

Reddit comment discussing a guy regretting telling his roommate to move out due to mortgage affordability issues.

Comment text discussing a guy's regrets after telling his roommate to move out due to mortgage affordability issues.

Screenshot of a social media comment about a guy telling his roommate to move out and regretting it due to mortgage issues.

Others shared similar experiences

Commenter shares a story about a landlord’s wife telling them to move out despite paying the mortgage.

Comment describing a difficult roommate and landlord experience leading to regret after asking the roommate to move out.

Reddit user shares story about bad roommate drama and regretting asking them to move out due to mortgage affordability issues.

Screenshot of an online comment thread discussing a roommate moving out and mortgage affordability issues.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!