UPDATE: A New York City landlord has launched a bold online campaign against a former tenant who allegedly left them with a staggering $20,000 in unpaid rent and damages. The landlord, using the Reddit username Buddhany, detailed their revenge strategy that has garnered widespread attention.
According to the post, the tenant, a woman from Queensland, Australia, was initially deemed a suitable renter. She provided solid references and met financial requirements. However, just seven months into her lease, she reportedly stopped paying rent and fled the country, leaving the apartment in disarray.
The landlord expressed their frustration, stating, “She arrogantly and callously cost me $20,000 in unpaid rent and damages.” Faced with this situation, the landlord devised a plan to reclaim some sense of justice. They purchased the tenant’s domain name, Janesmith.com (hypothetical), and created a website exposing her actions.
The website features her photo, court judgments against her totaling $16,000 in unpaid rent and over $7,000 in damages, as well as images of the apartment’s condition upon her departure. The landlord strategically optimized the site to ensure it ranks first in search results for her name, leading to visits from her employer.
In a message to Newsweek, the landlord remarked that the revenge has been “satisfying.” They noted, “I have been patiently waiting for any attempts at restitution for more than two years.” The landlord emphasized that the overwhelmingly positive response on Reddit has been heartwarming, stating, “Most people are decent human beings, and they despise it when others take advantage…”
“She can run, but she cannot hide…” – Buddhany, NYC landlord
Reddit users have rallied around the landlord’s actions, with many praising their determination. Comments range from supportive sentiments to expressions of disbelief at the tenant’s disregard for her obligations. One user stated, “This is literally the VERY BEST revenge outcome I have ever heard of.”
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants, which often play out in public forums like Reddit. While many relationships end in disputes, some stories showcase positive interactions, such as a landlord in Maine who praised a long-term tenant for leaving their apartment in pristine condition after 32 years.
As this story develops, it raises questions about the lengths to which individuals may go to protect their interests in the often-contentious landlord-tenant dynamic. With the online exposure gaining traction, it remains to be seen how the former tenant will respond to this public shaming.
For renters and landlords alike, this case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of upholding agreements and the potential consequences of failing to do so. The stakes are high, and the fallout can be both personal and public.
