A landlord was left furious after discovering his tenant had renovated his investment property without permission before sending him an invoice and deducting the cost from her rent.
The viral text exchange, shared online by British property commentator Jack Rooke, has sparked fierce debate over property control and renter boundaries.
The argument began after the landlord, David, messaged his tenant, Jade, asking why her monthly rent payment was £500 ($940) short.
“Oh, did you not get my invoice?” Jade replied.
When David asked what she meant, Jade explained she had given his rental property a major makeover.
“The whole house lol. It was really tired looking,” she wrote.
The messages showed she repainted the living room, hallway, bedrooms and bathroom after living in the property for three years.
“I think I know what the place needs,” she told him.
MORE: ‘Wrong land’: Mistake costs Aussie couple $500k
‘Never buy it’: 23yo’s backyard hell warning
32yo loses $50k amid new Aus bank rule
A landlord was left furious after discovering his tenant had renovated his investment property without permission. Picture: Reddit
The text exchange revealed tenant then pasted an invoice she created for the work. Picture: Reddit
The text exchange revealed Jade then pasted an invoice she created for the work.
The breakdown included four tins of paint costing £87 ($163), decorating supplies worth £23 ($43), feature wall prints from Etsy costing £94 ($177) and a new light fitting priced at £76 ($142).
She also charged £576 ($1083) for 32 hours of her own DIY labour.
The total bill came to £856 ($1610).
After deducting £500 ($940) from her rent payment, Jade informed the landlord he technically owed her another £356 ($669).
“I’ve improved your asset, David. When you sell, you’ll get way more for it now,” she wrote.
The landlord rejected the claim.
“I am absolutely lost for words. I did not ask for this. I did not authorise any of this. I have no idea what you’ve done to my property,” he replied.
Jade remained unfazed throughout the exchange, repeatedly insisting she had improved the home.
“It looks amazing actually. Very Pinterest,” she told him.
When David demanded she stop making changes immediately, Jade revealed she had already started planning the kitchen next.
“The cupboards are giving very 2009,” she wrote.
After deducting £500 ($940) from her rent payment, Jade informed the landlord he technically owed her another £356 ($669). Picture: Reddit.
When the landlord threatened legal action, she replied: “OK babe.” Picture: Reddit
The exchange escalated after Jade claimed she had contacted the local council regarding a modernisation grant to help fund future upgrades.
“They’re sending someone to assess next week,” she said.
At that point, David responded that he wanted her out of the property.
“Probably should have just said thank you, to be honest,” Jade wrote.
When the landlord threatened legal action, she replied: “OK babe.”
After sharing the messages online, Mr Rooke admitted he could not believe the exchange.
“What the hell is she doing invoicing her landlord?” he said.
“I think she’s just trying to wind him up at this point.”
The situation divided social media users.
While many property watchers were horrified by the tenant’s behaviour, others argued the landlord had effectively received free upgrades.
“He got a hassle-free upgrade,” one person commented.
“She saved the owner thousands, what’s his problem? It’s very reasonable,” another wrote.
Others disagreed, with one commenter writing the situation was wild.
Some argued the reaction would depend entirely on the quality of the renovations themselves.
“As long as it’s a neutral or good job, I wouldn’t be mad,” one viewer said.
Still, most commentators agreed that sending a landlord an invoice for redecorating a property without explicit permission was a major gamble.
MORE: Trapped Aus tradie’s urgent caravan warning
English (US) · 