A young mother has shared her harrowing experience of being effectively trapped in her own home, claiming her landlord’s “dangerous” dogs have made it impossible for her and her child to safely leave their rental property without permission.
The distressing account, which quickly went viral after being posted on Reddit, details how the tenant is forced to “beg” her landlord for permission to step outside, often without receiving a reply.
“My landlord didn’t mention her dogs are dangerous. Now we have to beg to go outside and most of the time she doesn’t even reply,” the frustrated mother wrote, sparking outrage among online commentators.
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She provided examples of text message exchanges highlighting the bizarre and concerning situation.
On one occasion, on a Monday, she messaged her landlord: “Are the dogs out we have to get Ophelia from school?”
A screenshot of the text message exchanges. Source: Reddit
The landlord’s response offered little assistance: “Hey, on Mondays I’m not usually home so if you need to text, please text mom on Mondays.”
A similar scenario unfolded the following Friday.
The tenant messaged, “Can we go outside the dogs are outside and I’m late,” only to be met with silence.
Growing increasingly desperate, she sent another message: “The dogs are still outside and (child’s name redacted) is afraid.” Again, no response was received.
Later that day, the tenant was still seeking assistance, texting simply: “Can we go outside?”
The situation ignited a furious reaction online, with many expressing shock at the landlord’s behaviour and urging the tenant to take immediate action, including contacting animal control or even the police.
A landlord’s angry dogs has prevented one tenant from leaving her home.
“Pretty sure this is illegal, you’re entitled to peaceful enjoyment of your home,” one person commented, referencing a fundamental right for tenants.
Another user suggested a more direct approach: “Oh I would give a 2 minute warning before I call the police because I am trapped in my home.”
The sentiment of disbelief was widespread, with a third person stating, “I’d be pretty pissed if I couldn’t just enter and leave my home as I please, like an adult. OP pretty much has to ‘ask permission’.”
Perhaps summing up the absurdity of the situation, a fourth commentator questioned: “can we go outside”. You’re paying to be held captive? am I reading that right?”
The incident has sparked a broader discussion about tenant rights and landlord responsibilities, particularly concerning safety and the right to unhindered access to one’s own residence.
English (US) · 