I (F21) currently live with three roommates (all M 23-27). This story is specifically about Luke (M25, fake name). Full disclosure, this isn’t anything insane, I’m just frustrated about my current situation.
Some background: I was friends with Luke for most of my time living here (about a year and a half). We’ve had our ups and downs, but recently we have ended our friendship. There were many reasons, and we both are at fault in our own ways, but for the most part it was because of my discomfort with how he behaved as the Landlord’s son. Small things like the landlord coming in the place without any notice (because he was “Luke’s guest”), a Wifi network that we all paid for but coincidentally only Luke knew the password to, or the landlord installing a radon detector and specifically telling Luke not to tell any of the tenants about it. I get that these are relatively small problems, but I was put off by how inconsiderate he could be, especially since we were pretty close friends. I could honestly go on for hours listing all the uncomfortable things he did, but that’s not the point of the post, the main take away is that his dad is the landlord.
One major design flaw in the house is the thermostat for the floor being in his room (Luke and I are the only people on the top floor), meaning I would have to text him or knock on his door to change the heat if needed. We live in an area that will change from sunny to snowing in a matter of hours, and I have a frog that needs a warm environment, so the heating is decently important to me.
After our most recent spat related to heating, he left an electric heater near my door. These were provided/recommended by the landlord before, so I figured I’d just use that for my room from now on.
On the first night using the new heater, it was on for about ~30 minutes before the power completely went out on our floor. The power could be reset, but it required waking up another roommate to access the breaker in his room. I was surprised that our rooms alone were using enough power for that, until he told me that his EV charger is on the same circuit (probably not the right word, but it also contributed to the power going out on our floor.)
So now, instead of the independent heating solution I was looking for, my roommate has instructed me that I have to text him to stop charging his car every time I want heat. This wouldn’t be a huge problem if he was civil, but it seems like he is just getting meaner every interaction. When I asked him if he could just unplug other things (like his bed) he said “I’m gonna tell you something you’ve probably never heard before: no” and then went on to insult me for looking upset. Now he’s even more mad at me because he had to pay to use a public charger.
I’m sorry if this all just comes off as venting, it feels like I’m just stuck in a situation where he knows I can’t do anything and enjoys having power over me. Things are warming up for the summer and I’ll be moving in a few months, so this obviously isn’t some drastic situation, but I was just hoping for some advice or maybe a reality check if I am the asshole.
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Backup of the post’s body: I (F21) currently live with three roommates (all M 23-27). This story is specifically about Luke (M25, fake name). Full disclosure, this isn’t anything insane, I’m just frustrated about my current situation.
Some background: I was friends with Luke for most of my time living here (about a year and a half). We’ve had our ups and downs, but recently we have ended our friendship. There were many reasons, and we both are at fault in our own ways, but for the most part it was because of my discomfort with how he behaved as the Landlord’s son. Small things like the landlord coming in the place without any notice (because he was “Luke’s guest”), a Wifi network that we all paid for but coincidentally only Luke knew the password to, or the landlord installing a radon detector and specifically telling Luke not to tell any of the tenants about it. I get that these are relatively small problems, but I was put off by how inconsiderate he could be, especially since we were pretty close friends. I could honestly go on for hours listing all the uncomfortable things he did, but that’s not the point of the post, the main take away is that his dad is the landlord.
One major design flaw in the house is the thermostat for the floor being in his room (Luke and I are the only people on the top floor), meaning I would have to text him or knock on his door to change the heat if needed. We live in an area that will change from sunny to snowing in a matter of hours, and I have a frog that needs a warm environment, so the heating is decently important to me.
After our most recent spat related to heating, he left an electric heater near my door. These were provided/recommended by the landlord before, so I figured I’d just use that for my room from now on.
On the first night using the new heater, it was on for about ~30 minutes before the power completely went out on our floor. The power could be reset, but it required waking up another roommate to access the breaker in his room. I was surprised that our rooms alone were using enough power for that, until he told me that his EV charger is on the same circuit (probably not the right word, but it also contributed to the power going out on our floor.)
So now, instead of the independent heating solution I was looking for, my roommate has instructed me that I have to text him to stop charging his car every time I want heat. This wouldn’t be a huge problem if he was civil, but it seems like he is just getting meaner every interaction. When I asked him if he could just unplug other things (like his bed) he said “I’m gonna tell you something you’ve probably never heard before: no” and then went on to insult me for looking upset. Now he’s even more mad at me because he had to pay to use a public charger.
I’m sorry if this all just comes off as venting, it feels like I’m just stuck in a situation where he knows I can’t do anything and enjoys having power over me. Things are warming up for the summer and I’ll be moving in a few months, so this obviously isn’t some drastic situation, but I was just hoping for some advice or maybe a reality check if I am the asshole.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
Glad you’re getting out of there. That house is a renters nightmare and luke is a hostile infant. I don’t have helpful advice lol, I like burning some bridges personally. sometimes I’m even still on them. 🔥😤
Nta
Obvious solution: move out
If you can’t move out are there rental laws to protect your rights for heating? If the electricity is being tripped is it even up to the code?
Oh the joys of dick roommates. I don’t miss those days.
As a former landlord, I’d tell you that any place that recommends using an electric heater is not someplace that you want to continue to live at. Temporary solution (for right now) is to buy an electric blanket. No matter how cold your room is, you’ll be warm underneath it. They don’t require much electricity either. If you’re still cold buy a couple of Mylar blankets on amazon. They’re super cheap on there and I keep a few in my car and suitcase at all times. As for your pet, a heating lamp is probably the best option.