An 18-year-old woman was fortunate to inherit a two-story apartment-style home from her father. Aware of her privilege, she transformed the property into a source of passive income, renting out the lower floor for $500 a month while living on the upper floor herself. Considering its remote location—an hour from the city and 15 minutes from the nearest store—her rental rate was reasonable, especially when similar properties in the area went for $600 to $700.
The young woman valued her independence and financial stability, but she didn’t advertise her status as a landlord. She only mentioned it when necessary, choosing to keep the information private even from her boyfriend of three months, who moved in with her during a difficult period in his life.
Keeping Secrets and Sharing Expenses
Her boyfriend had been facing challenges with his living arrangements and was reluctant to move back in with his parents. She offered him a place to stay, asking for nothing in return except splitting grocery costs. For three months, they lived together without him realizing she owned the building. She believed it wasn’t a significant detail to share, as it didn’t affect their daily lives.
However, this arrangement took an unexpected turn when the downstairs tenant reported a broken freezer. The woman assured the tenant she would reimburse them for a new freezer, as a responsible landlord should. Unfortunately, her boyfriend overheard the conversation, and when she explained her role as the landlord, his reaction was far from understanding.
A Heated Confrontation
Upon learning that she owned the property, the boyfriend grew irate, accusing her of being deceitful for withholding this information. He expressed strong opinions about landlords, claiming they were exploitative and motivated solely by money. His anger escalated as he demanded 50% of her rental income, stating she was “evil” for keeping the earnings to herself.
Despite her apologies for not disclosing her ownership earlier, the argument continued. His accusations became personal, and he insisted she had no right to keep all the rental money. When she questioned the logic of his demands—asking why he would want money from a landlord if he believed they were inherently greedy—his frustrations only grew.
The Breaking Point
The woman realized the relationship had reached a breaking point when her boyfriend threatened to expose her to their friends and attempted to punch a hole in the wall. Feeling unsafe, she messaged her father, who was waiting in the driveway, to intervene. Her boyfriend’s behavior turned dismissive and insulting as he declared he never wanted to see her again and left the apartment.
While initially questioning her decision to end the relationship, she stood by her choice, prioritizing her safety and well-being. Her father’s presence provided reassurance, and she began considering practical steps, such as changing the locks, to protect herself further.
A Justified Decision
The young woman’s decision to refuse her boyfriend’s demand for half of her rental income and end the relationship was widely supported online. Many Reddit users praised her for maintaining her boundaries and urged her to take precautions against future encounters.
Her experience highlights the importance of mutual respect and understanding in relationships. While it’s reasonable to share aspects of one’s life with a partner, personal property and financial independence are private matters unless they directly affect the relationship. The woman’s maturity and foresight in managing her property while navigating a challenging situation with her partner demonstrate her strength and independence.
