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75 Rental Experiences So Ridiculous People Couldn’t Keep Them To Themselves
Buying a home is a huge commitment, but renting your own place can come with plenty of challenges too. From finding somewhere that actually looks like the listing to dealing with unexpected rules, hidden problems, or difficult people along the way, securing a decent place to stay isn't always as straightforward as it seems.
Today, we’re diving into a community filled with stories about the less-than-ideal side of renting and accommodation. From disappointing properties to difficult landlords, hosts, and unexpected problems, these experiences show just how quickly a promising rental or booking can turn into a headache. Keep reading, Pandas—you might think you've had a bad rental experience, but these stories show just how bad it can really get.
This post may include affiliate links.
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#2
Reas Getting Festive
#3
Humour
Finding a good place to live or stay can feel like a challenge all on its own. Whether you're searching for an apartment to call home, booking a vacation rental for a few days, or looking for a comfortable place to work remotely for a while, there's usually a lot more to consider than simply finding somewhere with four walls and a decent-looking kitchen. You have to think about the location, the condition of the property, what’s included, how trustworthy the listing seems, and, of course, whether you can actually afford it. And then there's the biggest question of all: how much is it going to cost? Rent and accommodation prices can be especially difficult to manage in major cities, where demand is high and good properties can disappear almost as quickly as they're listed. Sometimes, it feels like you have to be ready to apply the moment you see a place you like—only to discover that five other people have already beaten you to it.
#5
Hell Yeah
#6
Real Estate Walking Around Like They Own The Place (/The Car): Grand Theft Auto Edition
One explanation for this comes from Matthew Yglesias' book The Rent Is Too Damn High: What To Do About America's Housing Crisis. Yglesias argues that one of the fundamental problems is that demand for housing in productive, high-wage cities has grown faster than the supply of homes. Cities such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., attract people because of the jobs and opportunities they offer, but building enough housing to accommodate everyone can be difficult. When new construction is restricted while more people continue moving in, competition for the homes that already exist becomes much more intense. That can leave renters competing for a limited number of properties while landlords have greater leverage over prices and requirements.
#7
Rent Of $0.00 Is Due Notice
#8
In A World Of Bad Rentals, I’ve Hit The Jackpot With My Ll
#9
Sick Of Their Litter, Can't Wait To Start Review Bombing Reas
Michael Largey 1 week ago
The postal carrier has no choice about what to deliver, and I doubt this sign is in view of many real estate agents.
The competition doesn't end there. High mortgage rates and expensive homes have also made buying increasingly difficult for many would-be first-time homeowners. As a result, some people who might otherwise have moved into the housing market remain renters for longer, adding more demand to an already competitive rental pool. That means renters aren't simply competing with other people who are happily choosing to rent; they're also competing in a market where many people have few realistic alternatives. The result can be a frustrating cycle in which finding an affordable home becomes increasingly difficult.
#10
Horrible Shower
#11
Hilarious Bill Threat
#12
The Property Manager (Who Doesn't Live On The Property) Sounds Like They're Going To Try Filling In The Census For Our Household. Anyone Else Getting This?
And even when rent increases aren't accelerating as quickly as they once were, that doesn't necessarily mean renting has become affordable. Darren Baxter, principal policy adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, told the BBC that rents have remained “persistently high compared to renters' incomes for the past two decades.” He also noted that even relatively small increases can make housing unaffordable for people who are already stretching their budgets. Rent increases can also vary considerably from one property to another, and renters who need to move may discover that their next home costs even more than their previous one. For someone already living close to their financial limit, even a modest increase can make a significant difference.
#13
What Could Go Wrong Using AI To Edit Real Estate Images?
#15
Perth Real-Estate Agents Are The Worst
Then there are the screening processes. Landlords often have to choose between large numbers of applicants, and some increasingly rely on third-party tenant-screening services to help make those decisions. Automated systems can assess credit histories, eviction records, background checks, and other information within minutes. While these tools can make the process faster, they can also leave applicants frustrated when an old discrepancy or piece of information affects their application without much opportunity for context or explanation. For renters, that can mean spending time and money applying for multiple properties without knowing whether they'll even make it through the initial screening.
#16
Ray White Oakleigh Fined For Underquoting
#17
Maybe I Should Claim Cleaning Fees From Their Bond 😒
BarkingSquirell 1 week ago
The best landlord I have ever had gave me my damage deposit back UPON my moving in for all of the cleaning I had to do. He came over, looked around and said, "I'm a man."
#18
Property Manager Asks At Tribunal Today :why Are We Even At Ncat ? "🤔
And just when you think you've saved enough for the monthly rent, there can be another financial hurdle waiting for you. Getting the keys to a new home often requires a substantial amount of money upfront. Housing research from Fannie Mae has identified upfront costs as an important barrier for renters, and those costs can include non-refundable application fees for each adult applicant, the first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes the last month's rent as well. In certain major cities, renters may also have to pay broker fees, which can add thousands of dollars to the initial cost of moving. For someone already trying to save money while covering everyday expenses, coming up with that amount at once can be a major challenge.
#20
That Time 5 Years Ago My Neighbour Died And Liquified Into The Walls Of The Neighbouring Units And The Homeowner Wouldn’t Let Us Leave 💀
Dolly_of TheCowboy 1 week ago
Always love how people not having to live somewhere unliveable can inevitably say no, no it's quite liveable for you because they do not have to put up with it
#22
Found Cheap Rentals If Anyone Is Interested. Comes With 3 Square Meals A Day, All Washing Up Is Taken Care Of, A Gym And Sports Facilities. The Security They Provide Is Outstanding Too
So yes, renting can sometimes feel exhausting before you've even moved through the front door. There are rising costs to consider, fierce competition, application requirements, deposits, screening processes, and the simple uncertainty of whether the place you're interested in will still be available tomorrow. And for many people, renting isn't just a temporary inconvenience—it's their home, their sense of stability, and the place where they need to feel safe and comfortable. That's why finding a decent place shouldn't have to feel like winning a lottery. Everyone deserves to have a reasonable chance of finding a home that fits their needs and budget without being overwhelmed by the process.
#23
Please Just Build Townhouses!
Queen Typo 1 week ago
Don’t know where this is, but there should be some laws on the books about spacing between the homes required to be a certain amount because imagine one grease fire or electrical short fire. The entire neighborhood will be a loss
#24
Can They Claim Our Bonds Because We Left The Property In A Better Conditions??
Kabuki Kitsune 1 week ago
Did a quick google search, and it notes that in Australia, any work (such as patching holes or painting) that is done without the landlord's express written permission, is classified as unapproved alterations, and allows the landlord to keep the bond/deposit.
#25
Mushrooms In The Bathroom :(
#26
No Words For This One
Coming back to today's posts, unfortunately, finding a place doesn't always mean the problems are over. Sometimes the listing turns out to be misleading, the landlord is difficult to deal with, or the property itself has issues that weren't obvious from the photos. In the worst cases, renters can end up dealing with broken fixtures, serious maintenance problems, or living conditions that are far from what they were promised. And that's what makes these stories so frustrating: after all the searching, paperwork, money, and effort that goes into finding a place, the last thing anyone expects is to discover that the space isn't actually what they thought they were paying for. So, Pandas, have you ever dealt with a nightmare rental or booking experience? What did you do?
#27
Our Rental Used To Be An Asian Boarding House Which The Agency Denies. I Received 22 Letters In The Mail Addressed To 21 Different People On The Same Day From The Same Place
Kabuki Kitsune 1 week ago
Put "return to sender, not at this address" on each and put them in the outgoing box, or just head down to the post office and tell the postal worker about it.
#28
Is This Legal? (Genuine Question)
#29
This Is Why People Hate Landlords
Earonn - 1 week ago
So, because the landlord WAS generous, he had to put up with not getting any rent paid? The tenant could have gotten in touch with the landlord and describe his situation, to be able to stay until he could find something else. But smoking enough to harass other tenants, not saying anything, just making a mess for others? Wow, yes, what a wonderful person that was. And the landlord must be guilty because...he's a landlord. W*F?
#30
Rude Af Real Estate Agent!!
Min (she/her) 1 week ago
So OP rented a place with AC only in the living room and then expected another to be installed at the landlord's expense because they had a baby? It's not often I come down on a landlord's side, but this does seem a bit unreasonable unless OP lives in a location where AC is considered a requirement.
#31
Raine&horne Sunshine West Hole - Agent Didn’t Have Keys And Solicited Help From A Prospective Tenant To Try And Get Through The Back
MalayDragon 1 week ago
The agent didn't have the keys... to the property they were showing to a prospective renter. WTAF
#32
Rental Inspection Feedback
#33
Landlords Are Losing Their Mind And Sounding Like Villains
#35
Census Night Landlord Meltdown
#36
This “Move In Ready” “Charming 3 Bedroom Home” For Only $550 Per Week
#37
Why Are Landlords Such Snowflakes?
#38
$450 Studio In Sydney
Mother Lunatic 1 week ago
€1110 a month isn't that bad. In Ireland, I've seen less for more (1300 a month for a murphy bed).
#40
Ray White Bragging Publically About Ripping People Off:
#41
Claimed Bond Right After Handing In Keys And Got This Email Immediately
Kabuki Kitsune 1 week ago
I don't see the issue here for most of it. The only questionable thing is "Rent is due up until a new tennant" but again it reads like the OP broke the lease early (last bullet point). Looking at the Aussie law on this, it's standard there to determine the break lease fee only after a new tenant has arrived as the total cost tends to include precise lost rent for the exact number of days or weeks the unit sat empty before the new occupancy started.
#43
I Can Almost Feel The Love The Lords Have For Us
#44
$300 A Week To Live In A Decommissioned Healthy Harold Van
#45
Rea Threatens Me, And Tells Me He Will Break The Law
Kabuki Kitsune 1 week ago (edited)
Yes, a real estate agent (REA) can use their keys to enter a rental property in Australia, but only if they give the correct legal notice and have a valid reason permitted by state or territory legislation. Which, repairs (vendor) falls under. REA is within their legal right to enter the property at the next available chance, as this would qualify as legal notice. This reads like OP is refusing to allow access for maintenance or installation purposes.
#46
An Empty House During A Housing Crisis Because…
#47
Ending Tenancy. Email We Got Regarding Bond…
#48
That Increase Has To Be Illegal?
#49
Is This Legal?
Colleen Glim 1 week ago
So you can’t move out Dec 31? And I’m assuming if you did, they’d be charging you for the time between you moving out and being allowed to give the keys back?
#50
Rea Asking For Cleaning Fee Or Threatening Tribunal
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 week ago
While this does seem mild, is it not typical to deep-clean a home/apartment when you are moving out, in order to get your deposit back? My family owns a housecleaning business and "move-out cleans" are one of the main things we do. Plus I've helped friends do move-out cleanings on their apartments before, and you're usually expected to clean everything reasonably well, even windowsills, miniblinds, and exhaust fans. Things don't need to be spotless, but definitely shouldn't be able to run a finger across it and get dirt/dust.
#51
Imagine A Melbourne Real Estate Company That…
Michael Largey 1 week ago
For those of you confused, Australia's Liberal Party is that country's conservative party. (Now you're really confused, aren't you?)
#52
Found This Gem Pop Up On My Facebook Feed
MonsterMum 1 week ago
If people like you didn't buy multiple properties, there would be more homes for sale and they would cost less
#54
Breaking Headlines: Tenant Uses Kitchen
#56
I Present The Shower Toilet For Your Consideration
Colleen Glim 1 week ago
Only thing missing is a wee sink and mirror in the shower stall so you can shave and shower without getting off the pot
#57
Came Home To This 🤦🏻♀️
The landlord finally agreed to replace the 23 year old, mould covered nets.
This is what we came home to. I’m not even sure how you achieve such a mismatch, other than grabbing two different packets with different measurements on them.
#59
Landlord Accusing Me Of Using Spray Paint
#60
Spotted On Realestate.com.au: Tell Me The Nsw Rental Market Is Cooked Without Telling Me
#61
Landlord Blaming Immigration For Housing Crisis Literally Outs Himself
#62
Landlord Wants To Take $1200 For This
#63
Ban Airbnbs
Marlene Ricker 1 week ago
I can't believe $700 a week! That is $2800 a month! I'm shocked that they rent by the week and not the month! I live in Canada and our rents even in the city are not that high
#65
Ray White At It Again, Cost Of Fuel Too Much? We Can Totally Justify Making The Tenants Do Our Job Remotely Now... Right?
#66
What Do You Mean 1.8 Million
#67
Ray White Backtracks On Virtual Home Inspections
#71
Somehow The Landlords Have Made This Fuel Crisis About Them Again
Michael Largey 1 week ago
"Where is the money for all these programs coming from? From them that's got it, I reckon." - Will Rogers
#74
Juliet Died From Tetanus With This Balcony
Lily bloom 1 week ago
Titans is from metal/rust, isn't it? That there is nature and just needs power washing
#75
World’s First Cuck Shower
Lily bloom 1 week ago
Looks like a room for a single tenant. Are they going to watch themselves shower? Shower when the have visitors?
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What do you think ?
Michael Largey 1 week ago (edited)
Most of these seem to be based in Australia. For US calculators, $1000 Australian is about $700 American. So a monthly rent of $3000 AU would cost $2100 US.
Dolly_of TheCowboy 1 week ago
The sickest thing I think I have seen regarding Ozzie slumlords and their scummy behaviours was when someone posted up a few years ago about the landlord private groups on FB or similar showing some of the group's posts. There were a number of them walking slumlords through 'tips to get their bond" which included things like "once tenants put in a notice to vacate, make up an emergency excuse to enter the property without notice close to the date, then go and install a nail under the swing edge of every door you can on hard surface floors. It will scratch the floors just enough to be noticeable and they will not have time to fix it so you can claim the bond". There were other gems there about sabotaging washing machines if they have to be in bathrooms, and dishwashers in kitchen areas where you want to renovate, so that it causes water damage and you can "blame the tenants and keep their bond" and presumably get a cheaply renovated floor. Apparently there are hundreds of these groups
Michael Largey 1 week ago (edited)
Most of these seem to be based in Australia. For US calculators, $1000 Australian is about $700 American. So a monthly rent of $3000 AU would cost $2100 US.
Dolly_of TheCowboy 1 week ago
The sickest thing I think I have seen regarding Ozzie slumlords and their scummy behaviours was when someone posted up a few years ago about the landlord private groups on FB or similar showing some of the group's posts. There were a number of them walking slumlords through 'tips to get their bond" which included things like "once tenants put in a notice to vacate, make up an emergency excuse to enter the property without notice close to the date, then go and install a nail under the swing edge of every door you can on hard surface floors. It will scratch the floors just enough to be noticeable and they will not have time to fix it so you can claim the bond". There were other gems there about sabotaging washing machines if they have to be in bathrooms, and dishwashers in kitchen areas where you want to renovate, so that it causes water damage and you can "blame the tenants and keep their bond" and presumably get a cheaply renovated floor. Apparently there are hundreds of these groups
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