Apartment Manager Saws Renter's Couch In Half While In Storage, Flees Before Lawsuit, Leaving OP With Shredded Furniture And Legal Dilemma

"Not only did she destroy my couch. She tried to get money from us illegally."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• December 8, 2023

A Reddit post recently surfaced, narrating a bizarre and frustrating ordeal between tenants and their apartment manager, painting a vivid picture of the perplexing legal dramas that renters often face. The story begins innocently enough, with tenants moving out and leaving their large sectional couch in the care of the apartment manager.

The manager offers to store the couch for a fee, but the situation quickly spirals into chaos. What unfolds is a tale that seems almost too odd to be true: the tenants discover their couch sawed in half and stashed in a garage.

This Reddit saga taps into a larger narrative about toxic landlords and the legal intricacies surrounding rental agreements. Often, tenants find themselves in difficult situations with landlords who exploit loopholes or act unethically.

The story highlights the importance of understanding tenant rights and the legal protections available. It's a reminder of the potential pitfalls in landlord-tenant relationships, where trust can be breached and property damaged, leaving tenants to navigate the murky waters of legal recourse.

This story isn't just about a ruined piece of furniture; it's a window into the sometimes shadowy dynamics of renting and the unforeseen challenges tenants can face. Just take a look...

OP moved out on Nov 1, and their landlord stored their large sectional—with a target of 28 days.

Seems reasonable; the landlord offered $2.50 a day for storage until they retrieve their couch.

However, on Nov 13, when OP tried to retrieve the sectional with a buyer, they found it sawed in half in a garage at the apartments.

And the landlady got angry, saying that they had to have an appointment before showing up.

OP's husband upset was about the damaged $961 sectional. OP then made an appointment for pickup on Nov 17th at 3:30 pm.

Nov 17, 2:22 pm call: The landlord admitted they had to cut the $961 couch in half.

OP was offered $100 on a Visa gift card for the $961 couch, claiming it was heavily soiled and all legs were broken.

There were two small uncleaned spots (ketchup, syrup) and one broken ottoman leg, all fixable and replaceable. But that doesn't justify it.

Landlord denied OP's request for higher compensation, citing researched value and insisting $100 was the accurate amount.

OP went to the police, but the landlord won't allow access to the damaged half-couch.

It's now in three pieces, some already at a dump.

Stuck with no solution, OP's couch was intended to be sold for crucial home repairs, including fixing a leak and replacing outlets.

Now, the landlord wants a new appointment, citing the maintenance man's busy schedule due to frequent "emergency calls."

Legal update: No charges for on-site storage allowed; landlord violated laws disposing of the couch within 28 days and attempted illegal fees.

Requested a disposal appointment for the couch, willing to pay $90, but still facing challenges.

Discovered the landlord is on early vacation, unreachable. If legal action is not initiated now, the 28-day deadline for disposing of the couch will pass.

Landlord's disappearance complicates legal action. Urgent need for proof of the destroyed couch to expedite the process.

Landlord admits to cutting the couch into multiple pieces on call, providing crucial evidence for legal action.

See what people had to say...

Why settle for couch change? Going for the full depreciated value in small claims court.

They broke the agreement; time to bluff and see if they'll fold on a better deal. Game on!

Sectional surgery wasn't in the moving plan, but hey, at least they gifted a $100 Band-Aid for the 'ouch'!

In the end, this couch saga isn't just about furniture; it's a lesson in rental roulette. Sometimes you land a comfy spot, other times you're left with half a couch and a whole lot of drama.

What do you think of this? Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia