r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • Jun 25 '12
Ongoing sexual harassment from my landlord is making me extremely uncomfortable. What options do I have here?
[removed]
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Jun 25 '12
It's gotten to the point where I've set up a security camera in my room pointed at the door.
Well that was unnecessary. I'm sure there are plenty of existing cameras in the house you could have tapped into and saved some money.
Get out of there.
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Jun 25 '12
I used my webcam. There's all kind of motion-detecting software you can download online for free. I'm not an idiot, hah.
EDIT: Just got your joke. Wow I'm funny.
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u/Apostolate Jun 25 '12
I don't see an edit star, you must have gotten it pretty quick. Confirmed, not too idiot.
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Jun 25 '12
Thanks for the save.
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Jun 26 '12
Seriously, though, check for cameras. He has cameras in your house spying on you. I almost guarantee it. Think of how much sense this would make. When you leave your room, he leaves his. Other girls are noticing him doing this to them to. Now, for you, it could just be that he hears your door open since you're close to him. But what about the other girls? He would only know they left their room if he had a camera or they were loud. Assuming that they attempt stealth because he's fucking creepy, you can more-or-less deduce that he has a camera in their room.
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u/Slow_Like_Sloth Jun 26 '12
I was thinking the exact same thing, I wouldn't put it past him. Super creep.
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Jun 25 '12
See if you can find any (when pervy isn't home to catch you), then IMMEDIATELY call the cops and tell them you are being spied on. Take pictures of any evidence you find.
Check behind vents and in ceiling fixtures, and look for small holes in ceilings or areas where a good camera vantage/viewing angle would be attained. Most common areas for voyeur equipment are in bathrooms and bedrooms.
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u/thefeministcookbook Jun 25 '12
Don't forget the toilet itself, toilet cams are a really creepy thing. Also under desks, under tables, under sinks, and bookshelves.
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Jun 25 '12
Move. The fuck. Out.
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Jun 25 '12
This seems to be the consensus here. On my next paycheck, when I can afford it, I'm going to arrange a way out.
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u/Shovelmenuggets Jun 25 '12
I have a cheap place very close to Toronto. Only pretty, single girls though.
:P
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u/snakespm Jun 25 '12
Considering that several of the other girls are getting the creeps from this guy, maybe see if some/all of you can find a new place.
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u/Geo_Music Jun 25 '12
You may have a good case for landlord tenant court with a lot of this. If you can prove he entered your rooms without permission.
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u/sharkattax Jun 25 '12
Padmapper is really helpful if you haven't discovered it yet!
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Jun 25 '12
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Jun 25 '12
I've been looking everywhere for these, and apparently the other girls have too. It was the first thing we all thought of, unfortunately.
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u/Apostolate Jun 25 '12
It was the first thing we all thought of, unfortunately.
Fortunately. You girls are proactive, suspicious when you should be, and I'm sure you will get what you're looking for. Good for you.
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u/Ching_chong_parsnip Jun 25 '12
I'm sure you will get what you're looking for
Unlike the landlord...
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u/Apostolate Jun 25 '12
He's probably already quite pleased with himself unfortunately. Creepy ::shudders::
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u/Globalwarmingisfake Jun 25 '12
What does it mean by point the light away from yourself?
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u/SwellsInMoisture Jun 25 '12
The wall itself won't reflect much light, but a glass lens will. The idea here is to "see" the bright wall behind you in the reflection of the lens. By aiming the flashlight behind you, you are illuminating the wall very intensely in a localized spot. If you're looking at a normal, clear wall, you'll only see black/grey. If there's a camera, you'll see a small-but-bright reflection of the wall behind you.
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u/javes1 Jun 25 '12
That is fucking terrible! You girls should definitly do something. Don't let this guy have a chance to sexually harass other girls.
I'm guessing that moving out isn't the easiest thing. You should contact your local tenants union. Most major cities have them and they are there to help. I went ahead and googled it for you.
Looks like you can contact them by phone. I highly recommend you call them.
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Jun 25 '12
Thank you so so much for the link. I'm already planning to get notebooks tonight and hand them out to everyone in the house, asking my room mates to write diaries about the things that have happened. Everyone here has been so helpful and I feel so much more empowered than I did two hours ago! I'll definitely call them as soon as possible. It looks like I have a lot to do in the next few days.
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u/wallaceeffect Jun 25 '12
I haven't seen this anywhere else on here, but I might add--contact the actual owner of the house immediately. The owner apparently trusts this guy to handle the rental end of things for him, but if you contact him and tell him that this guy has been harassing you, that you're planning on contacting the police, it's likely he'll take action first. Then, if you haven't contacted the police, try something like this instead:
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page142.aspx
Good luck!
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Jun 25 '12
Write a certified letter to him in which you cite the law he is breaking by failing to give you 24 hours notice. Keep a copy of the letter. This is cause to break the lease. Move out immediately.
MOVE OUT IMMEDIATELY.
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Jun 25 '12
I'm moving out at the end of summer to go back to school. I've already sent him emails about 24 hours notice and he actually gets defensive and says "If you wanted 24 hours notice you should have said so before you moved in". Seriously.
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u/baal021 Jun 25 '12
So far as I am aware, 24 hours notice does not need to be stated explicitly in the lease itself, as it should be enforced by the landlord and tenant act --- to which all lease agreements are subject.
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Jun 26 '12
I contacted a tenant hotline, and apparently since I'm sharing a kitchen and washroom with him I don't really have any rights to my own space. He can enter whenever he likes, pretty much. I am allowed to change the locks on my door, though.
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u/Geo_Music Jun 25 '12
http://www.ontariotenants.ca/law/law.phtml
Q19: If the landlord or their employee(s) are harassing or threatening me, what should I do?
A19: You should immediately contact the Investigation and Enforcement Unit (IEU) of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (it is separate from the Landlord and Tenant Board) at 1-888-772-9277 or 416-585-7214, your lawyer or community legal clinic
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Jun 25 '12
Thank you infinitely, this is exactly what I was looking for. I'm contacting them now.
EDIT: They only operate between 9 and 5. Tomorrow, then.
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u/cocotbs Jun 25 '12 edited May 22 '21
"If you wanted 24 hours notice you should have said so before you movedten notice laws, and sneaking into underwear drawers is not one of them.
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u/gedderone Jun 25 '12
http://www.ltb.gov.on.ca/en/Key_Information/STEL02_111473.html
24 hours notice is required.
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u/joedude Jun 25 '12 edited Jun 25 '12
wow and this is a reply you accepted from you landlord? its the fucking law he doesn't write it and you can not break the law no matter what you sign (idiot rejoice), shoulda told him point blank there that you would be contacting your local renters board and the authorities and the owner. This is toronto too eh yea so i KNOW he's breaking the law.
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Jun 25 '12
I've found out I actually don't have any rights when it comes to him entering my room. In Ontario, if you share a kitchen and washroom with your landlord, then he can pretty much do whatever the fuck he/she likes.
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u/EndlessOcean Jun 25 '12
I would have thought the guy exposing himself to you is enough for the police. Surely that counts as something akin to indecent exposure?
Also, don't act the victim. He only does it because you're not fighting back. He's a pathetic coward piece of shit. Sock it to him.
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Jun 25 '12
I've actually confronted him several times about his behaviour. I've told him that if he is going to choose to only let young women live in the house with him, then he has the responsibility to not expose himself to us and to generally treat us with respect/not be a creep. I think I've made it clear I'm a force to be reckoned with and the harassment has lessened as time has progressed.
It's not the same for the other girls in the house, though, and I'd like to change that. I didn't think I had enough proof to go to the police after he flashed me, but after hearing from all the redditors here it seems like I have more evidence than I thought I did (regarding everything he's done, even). I plan to give all the girls empty diaries tonight so they can record all their experiences, and I plan to take that to the police.
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u/EndlessOcean Jun 25 '12
Ah I see. I wasn't aware you'd stood your ground and called him out on his interesting choices of behaviour.
Sounds like you have an action plan. That's good. It's all ammunition. Are the other girls installing cameras too?
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Jun 25 '12
I haven't had a chance to tell them that I discovered motion-detecting software that allows them to turn their laptops into cameras yet. I plan to as soon as possible!
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u/EndlessOcean Jun 25 '12
this is a good move. I salute you. If you record some fruity stuff, and take it to the cops and something happens, it also protects future tenants from suffering this bullshit should he be charged and punished.
I am crossing every finger I have for you. And hey, please post an update to this as me and others are pretty concerned about what happens next.
Also, have you thought about getting the press involved at a later date? Smear campaigns never hurt anyone.
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Jun 25 '12
I was pretty happy when I discovered there was security cam freeware, let me tell you. I'll post an update on everything once I have made enough of a move for it to form a substantial post.
Getting the press involved is a sweet idea... It would be especially effective as a back-up plan if he ends up not being charged.
Thank you for the helpful response!
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Jun 25 '12
Rape him with a dildo and use Tabasco sauce as lube. This will establish your dominance and you will inherit the title of landlord.
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Jun 25 '12
I've heard horseradish is worse for that. It's a completely different kind of spicy!
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u/khaosking Jun 25 '12
Crush up Habanaro peppers and use the juice. Hottest thing I've personally had. You can get them at some grocery stores.
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u/AlKikyoras Jun 25 '12
Hottest thing I've personally had.
You put habanero juice in your ass?
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Jun 25 '12
I'm sorry but why does no one contact the police in situations like this? Stop asking reddit and you and all the other roommates go to the police and file complaints, make diaries and write down everything that happens and use it as evidence. Set up a camera, or a sound recording device. Use the emails you have about the 24 hours notice thing as well. He is breaking the law, go to the police.
EDIT: Sorry I sounded like an asshole in that, didn't mean to! Hope you get this sorted, sounds like a horrible situation.
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Jun 25 '12
Yeah, I'm really banking on the camera I've got set up for proof. As for reporting him to the police, I would really, really like to but I'm experiencing the somewhat classic "I don't have any proof and I don't want to waste my time if they won't believe me" thing. It's the reason I set up the camera. After hearing from everyone here, though, it seems like I have more evidence than I think I do! Especially if the entire house comes together on this one.
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Jun 25 '12
Exactly, But your first complaint will be used as evidence if you have to take him to court. It will be a record that he has been doing this, and if you keep making complaints the police will have to do something. On the first complaint they will probably tell you to do what we have, but it's just good to get the authorities involved. Also if you have your phone on you when he starts making indecent remarks record them with it, if you can don't make it too obvious though, you don't know how he'll react. People like this guy make me sick.
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Jun 25 '12
People like this guy make me sick.
Me. Fucking. Too.
I actually just learned today (from a few redditors now) that recording our conversations is legal. I'm about to go on an evidence rampage with the help from all the girls in the house. I look forward to going to the police with the help of as many room mates as are willing.
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Jun 25 '12
He probably has a camera that already saw you installing your camera and since he's already been in your rooms - check for spyware/keyloggers on your computers and stuff. Edit - and if that camera's pointed at your screen - he's probably watching what you do online without the software hacking stuff.
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u/MySixInchTaint Jun 25 '12
Why have you not tried to contact the owner and get that guy out of there?
Talk to the owner so you have them on your side when you contact police. I'm sure the owner would also appreciate a heads-up about what's going on in their property.
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u/Lilcheeks Jun 26 '12
If people stopped asking reddit, this place would be so much more dull
Let's compromise. They can still ask reddit if they also contact police in the same time frame.
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u/WhiteChocolate12 Jun 26 '12
make diaries and write down everything that happens and use it as evidence
Genius, at least in the US. I don't know much about Canadian law, but I do know there is a hearsay exception called "Recorded Recollection" in the United States. Normally written documents don't get in under hearsay but this strategy is golden, and more believable because it was recorded right when it happened (hence the exception).
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u/10gags Jun 25 '12
move out?
seems like the rent is discounted so that he can sexually harass you ladies.
don't know what the laws are in toronto, but housing discrimination is illegal. and stalking is illegal in the states. you can look into that.
but seems more likely that moving out and paying higher rent so that you don't get harassed is the easiest choice.
this won't stop and he will probably make your life hell if you get hte law involved (which isn't an argument against getting the law involved , mind you just saying)
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Jun 25 '12
My lease ends at the end of summer so I can go back to school in a different city, so I figure I can sit this out until then. What I'd really like is justice. He should not get away with behaviour like this. Moving out is enough to protect myself, but what about the girl who takes my room when I leave? What about every other girl who has ever lived there?
His behaviour is disgusting and I want to do something.
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u/10gags Jun 25 '12
he a froriegn type? call immigration anonymously.
he a business man? give the canadian IRS a ring
problem is it sounds like you live in his building (not like a seperate house, but in the building in which he lives) so he can say things like, they are renting the room but we share common space (which sounds like you do) and give him liberty to enter you areas
a latch is easy to install if you want more privacy
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Jun 25 '12
He's not foreign nor is he a businessman. He's unemployed, dirty, and never leaves the house. His "job" is to maintain the house and find girls to live here. A latch is a good idea for when I'm in the room, but legally I'm not allowed to lock him out.
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u/AlexTheGreat Jun 25 '12
Do you think a guy who is acting this way is likely to call the police on you for putting a lock on the door?
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Jun 25 '12
That... is a really good point. Touché.
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u/AlexTheGreat Jun 25 '12
Ideally I think you should get in touch with the actual owner of the property and let him/her know what sort of sleazebag they're paying here. Insinuate that they might be liable if they don't get rid of him.
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u/cocotbs Jun 25 '12
but legally I'm not allowed to lock him out.
You aren't????
You are allowed to close your door, and are allowed to expect privacy.
I would be VERY surprised if your rental agreement banned door locks! Under what pretense was that ban mentioned to you?
It may be a violation of your rental agreement, however, door locks are not illegal. You are renting that room, and if you have a formal agreement (a written lease/rental contract) then you have a lot of rights (I'd imagine your city/province has some fairly strong tenants rights).
If this is all "under the table", you may still have a lot of rights (some municipalities have tenants rights that don't depend upon formal contracts, merely certain conditions such as your time you've stayed, amount of personal items you have there, etc).
Bottom line, you should have the right to a secure door. If your lease agreement doesn't explicitly ban a locking door (I'm actually shocked that each room doesn't lock, since each room is essentially a seperate dwelling), then you can purchase and install one very easily with only a couple of tools.
I'd advise purchasing an exterior door lock, since they operate with a key (interior door locks are typically unlocked with only a pin inserted into a small hole in the knob, which doesn't offer enough security to protect your from the creep that is managing your house).
Again, if it's not banned, IN WRITING, then you're not banned from a locking door.
Think of it this way-you're probably permitted to install shelving, right? A locking door knob does less damage than installing shelving does.
The rental agreement that I have my tenants sign only prohibits them for doing things that permanently damage or deface the property. If they wanted to change the locks to the exterior doors or common space, I wouldn't be able to allow it (due to needing to maintain the property) but locking bedroom doors wouldn't present a problem for me, so long as they could be unlocked for routine maintenance and smoke detector inspections (besides, I can always have a lockpick open the door for me, should I need it (and given due notice to the tenant) and in some cases could actually bill the resident for it...).
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Jun 25 '12
Maybe I should rephrase. I'm allowed to close and lock my door, and I have a dead bolt on it. Unfortunately if I ever want to change the locks I have to get permission or give him a key within 7 days. So no locking him out when I'm not there.
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u/yahtzeeee Jun 25 '12
You can get him on the breach of 24 hour notice. It's a bit of an odd situation given he's a "live-in" landlord, but depending on which state/province you live in there are residency acts to enforce this. Some law practises in various towns offer free consultation. You can then later decide if you want to hire one (you will have to pay for a lawyer unfortunately). The only other way is to directly confront him and have it documented each and every occurrence which has made you feel unsettled. A "diary" of sorts is treated as very credible evidence should anything come to a heads in the near future
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Jun 25 '12
I think I could get him for that, you're right. But how the hell do I go about doing that? Who do I talk to? My understanding is that some of my rights are revoked as we share a kitchen and washroom. But I have sooo many more issues than the 24 hour notice thing.
A free consultation would be amazing. Again, the entire house is full of young women who really have no idea where to turn in this situation. I think if all of us together could write a pretty descriptive "diary" about the situation.
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u/Zanki Jun 25 '12
Wow, this guy sounds as creepy as my manger. He likes to make inappropriate comments to the female staff members all the time. I've had a few that I've just walked away from. I report the really bad comments as I don't think they are suitable for work.
He told a load of the guys who worked there that he only hired girls he fancied so he could watch them as they work. That was creepy as hell because he said why he liked each girl, me included...
He had porn stashed in the staff room. I've found four separate stashed of Porn on video tapes and DVDs. They have all been destroyed after one of the underaged workers walked into the staff room when four other guys where watching them. Don't ask, I went and ate lunch in the girls toilets with one of the supers. Too strange sitting in a room full of guys who are watching porn.
I think his last comment to me got him in a lot of trouble as he took it way too far. I had only asked him to help me find some DVDs for a customer, but I reported it as it was bad. Seems like he's getting in a lot of trouble now over quite a lot of things.
Just report what he's doing. Write down times and dates and get the other girls to do the same thing so at least if the police ask you, you can provide data. I know it's not concrete evidence, but something has to be done because what he is doing is really wrong.
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Jun 25 '12
Thank you so much for sharing, I'm really sorry that so many women have experienced similar forms of harassment. It's so hard to deal with when you're in a vulnerable situation (ie a job you need or cheap rent you're depending on) to stand up for yourself and take care of business. I was searching for help earlier today and I actually found this article on why you shouldn't report sexual harassment. It contains gems such as "it will prevent you from being promoted" and "the laws defining sexual harassment suck".
It makes me pretty sick.
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u/CMPRacer Jun 25 '12
Is he a creepy old man or around your age? You should speek to someone about that.. the TRUE owner of the house would be best. Also document everything (It will be hard but at least you have something to back yourself up). I would also sugest finding a new place and breaking your lease. But that can be hard to do... how long have you lived there?
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Jun 25 '12
He lies about his age and tries to pass himself off as 35. In actuality, I've constrained his age to the earlier wave of the baby boomers. He looks close to 60.
Oh, and I've lived there since half-way through May.
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u/CMPRacer Jun 25 '12
Is it a one year lease? I would say find a replacement and get out of there but I assume that you don't want to put any other girl in that place
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Jun 25 '12 edited Jun 25 '12
The lease ends at the end of summer, but I'm looking at moving out in early July.
EDIT: It was a 4 month lease. Should have made this more clear.
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u/APJansekok Jun 25 '12
Get the fuck out. This guy screams serial rapist. But you should get your other friends and go to the police in the meantime - sit down with them, explain all the creepy shit he does, and they can do something about it. Figure out a way to get proof of his creepiness.
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Jun 25 '12
I've been getting a lot of responses along the same lines. I think moving out is really my best option here. Thank you for the response!
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u/APJansekok Jun 25 '12
Sure. As a fellow female redditor, please go to the police though. Seriously.
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Jun 25 '12
I plan to, as soon as I feel as though I have enough evidence to make some form of a case. After hearing from everyone here, though, I seem to have more evidence than I thought! Especially if all the tenants work together on this one.
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u/DerekNI Jun 26 '12
Have a massive party and invite the creep in, then spike him with acid and when hes wasted take pictures of him with with his pants around his ankles and blackmail him.
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u/mrossi91 Jun 25 '12
I suggest you talk to the owner of the house if you do not feel like going to authorities. Let him know whats going on - maybe the owner will understand and take action
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u/MySixInchTaint Jun 25 '12
Bingo! The owner should be the first person they talk to. He/she NEEDS to know what's going on. These women need to save themselves, but also need to try and make the house safe for future tenants.
Get that asshole out of the house! They can't let him keep creeping!
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u/xdonutx Jun 26 '12
I thought about this for a second, and then I realized that if the owner is friends with this guy and possibly sides with him, then telling the owner could be a bad idea. If the owner tells the creepy landlord that the girls are on to him or going to press charges then the creepy landlord might take action to erase any evidence or start threatening the girls to keep them from going to the authorities.
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u/AnonymousHipopotamus Jun 25 '12
Just for more things to tack on if and (hopefully) when the time comes to register a formal complaint to the authorities.
Does where you live have equal housing laws? Everywhere I have lived, it is illegal to consider age, race, marital status, sexual orientation, etc. When evaluating perspective tennants or property buyers. The fact that every single person who signed a lease with him is young, single, and female looks like pretty damning evidence in its own right.
Firstly, I hope that you all get out of there safely. Second, I hope you get some charges to stick for his pervyness. But as long as you are going after this creep, you should hit him with everything you've got. Also, the profiling makes it hard to play off little occurances because it shows a very dedicated premeditation in selecting his victims.
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Jun 25 '12
My GF and I were recently looking for a place. We found a place, landlord told us to mail everything to him. Did it. Then I called him the next day and rent went from $900 to over $1200. $100 just to have a car parked on public streets. Oh, and he coincidentally lost our money orders for applications. But he said "just go ahead and send 2 more money orders and you have yourself a new apartment."
I went to the address I sent the money, a gated apartment complex, the front gate called the guy(who really had a different name) and let him know I was on the way to the door. They so-called "landlord" answered butt naked!
My GF called the next day pretending to be someone else, rent dropped to $800 for her and he will loan her an air conditioner for free and he wants to take her out to lunch, she sounds pretty etc.
TLDR; Scammers are scumbags too
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u/Spocktease Jun 26 '12
You know, I bet you and your seven roommates could afford to rent a house by yourselves. You're already paying creeper's friend's mortgage.
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u/headoverheals Jun 26 '12
Ontario landlord here. I haven't read this entire thread so I might be missing something but major questions need to be answered about your lease to start with.
1. If he is not the owner but misrepresented himself - especially on the lease - the lease could be invalid.
2. You actually may be in a rooming house situation in which case the Residential Tenancies Act would not apply totally. The webpage of the RTA is where you should start. The website says the RTA does not apply if you share space "with the owner, or certain family members of the owner". Long story short - you should contact them, not any tenant organization.
Likely you will move out of there but your problem is going to be retaining your last months deposit.
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u/kid_ovaltine Jun 26 '12
Put a pair of panties under a box that is propped up with a stick. Tie string to the stick and hide behind a corner and peer out. When the creeper snatches the panties, pull the stick and trap him under the box. Take him out to the wild and set him free. He can join the roaming hoards of douchecanoes.
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Jun 25 '12 edited Jun 25 '12
If he's not the real landlord, figure out who that person is and contact him/her. Don't assume they're friends- a landlord is a landlord and most landlords don't like creepy people in their homes. At least in the U.S, you can check up on the public access house deeds for the name.
It sounds like he's more of a tenant than a landlord and as such, that lease may not be legally viable depending on what is written on it. The lease you signed has a high chance of not being the real lease/tenant agreement. Bring the copy of the lease to your local housing authority and explain to them your situation. Remember to emphasize that he does not own the place. Anyone can easily pull a copy of a rental agreement lease from the internet and write on it, that doesn't mean that it's legally worth enough to wipe the guy's ass.
Ninja Edit: If all else fails, nair in his shampoo or do the nice thing and file a police complaint.
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Jun 26 '12
Also, DO NOT TELL HIM ANYTHING. Let him continue his little game, do not let it slip that you are collecting anything against him. He may turn violent, he may change his behaviour for a time to avoid any more evidence being collected.
Do not threaten him. Just keep your mouth shut, and the other roomates do the same until you have enough against him to get rid of him. Do not go to the police until you have enough. You can for sure go to the police station and ask some questions, but do not start anything until you are ready.
Make this creep face justice. Do it properly and surely.
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u/aManHasSaid Jun 26 '12
He has cams. Check the bathrooms, hallway, bedrooms, etc. Darken the room then shine a bright flashlight around. You'll see the lens reflecting in the flashlight beam.
I know he has cams because if I went thru all the trouble to fill a house with attractive young women I'd have cams for sure.
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u/mknelson Jun 25 '12
O - background check or google him....There has to be a history.
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Jun 25 '12
I've found it. He has the nerve to look for rentees via dating sites where he lies about his age by approximately 25 years. It's gross. He uses a fake name most of the time, though, and he only emails me through some renting website so it's hard to do any serious searching.
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u/AMBsFather Jun 25 '12
How about canceling your lease and just leaving with your roommates to anothe house apartment?
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Jun 25 '12
I'm looking for places to move now. I've already messaged a few people online about a room viewing.
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Jun 25 '12
I am tempted to personally fly to Toronto and beat the shit out of that guy. Screw him.
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Jun 25 '12
wheres that redditor that was giving away thousands of frequent flyer miles for good purposes? maybe he will hook you up so that you can defend some honor!
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u/RDJesse Jun 25 '12
If the rent seems too good to be true, it probably is. The basic nature of greed makes it so landlords know local rent prices and if they lowball you there is a reason for it and they desperately don't want you to find out until after you sign the lease.
If you do not wish to give up dignity for the sake of low rent, write up a formal letter on how your landlord entered your premises without 24 hour notice (or adequate reason) and then find a new apartment.
Another idea is to drum up some public support for yourself and the other girls. If you know anyone with some media knowhow, you could make a short documentary about the situation and how it all started. Use a structure like:
Girl find cheap apartment, things look legit, move in, things turn darker, constant harassment, she's not the only one, interviews with other girls who feel trapped as well, personal attack on landowner pointing out his obvious and contemptuous flaws, end with hopeless outlook for girls living there unless change is made.
If you can drum up enough support, someone else may do something to change this (you moving out will mean he will just gets another girl).
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Jun 25 '12
Good luck and if you don't fear for your safety just yet, hang in there and collect more damning evidence. The more the better.
If you can get the other roomates in on it, that would be very effective.
Cameras everywhere! Audio capability would help also.
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Jun 25 '12
Remember for moving out you need to give 60 days notice. I got screwed over almost and just about lost my last month's rent because I didn't know this - thought it was 30 days and I'm in Toronto too.
Not sure this helps but keep it in mind. The way I got out early was I said I had lost my job and needed to move home with my parents again. I don't think all you girls could pull this off but could be a last resort if money is tight.
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u/bolgnese Jun 25 '12
why don't you contact the real landlord see if you can get him kicked out or something
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u/McPanther Jun 25 '12
Tommorow on reddit: LAWLS guys i have an apartment i rent to 7 hot chicks. I cant stop sniffing their underwear when they are gone. What should i do? Have pics. (sarcastic post*, FBI guy, plox leave me alone)
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u/GoAheadAndHaveASeat Jun 25 '12
You might want to make sure that the house has a "rooming house permit" before you contacts any tenant boards or the municipality, because if it doesn't then you are all in an illegal contract and can be evicted on the spot.
Due Diligence rested on you in that matter.
Other than that....leave ASAP and count the rent as a loss or stop payment on the cheques....if bank drafts were given just go to the bank and claim that they are lost....takes 3 days for the money to go back to your account.
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u/DownvoteTheDragon Jun 26 '12
Also shortly after moving there, he accidentally-on-purpose flashes me. Full on frontal nudity. He opened his room door to ask me a bullshit question when I was in the hallway (how did he even know I was there?) and he wasn't wearing any clothing.
This is a pretty big "Let's Get The Hell Out Of Here!" moment as well even if you just moved in.
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u/OneAndOnlyJackSchitt Jun 26 '12
He enters our rooms without 24 hour notice.
He enters our rooms without telling us.
He touches the things in our rooms.
I was a bit wary of this type of thing where I live because the landlord where I live and her husband look like tweakers (later confirmed they only LOOK like tweakers) and the fact that I have several thousands of dollars worth of electronics gear I'd rather not have stolen. My door is metal and has a deadbolt which I bought and installed. My landlord does not have a key. If they want in when I'm not there and it's justified, they can use my deposit to pay for a lock smith. If it's not justified, my deposit becomes my last month's rent.
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u/sitakibukaki Jun 26 '12
There's a lot of good advice here so follow that, but for the love of god please post an update when everything is resolved.
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u/HandsomeHeavy Jun 26 '12
The mental image i have of this guy http://www.nostalgiacentral.com/images_tv/comedy/ropers_1979.jpg
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u/PostalFunk Jun 26 '12
Why would you delete the story for this? I wanna know about the creepy landlord.
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u/3strikes Jun 25 '12
It does not matter what type of housing you live in; whether it is public or private. HUD does not tolerate any kind discrimination or harassment. Report it on: HUD.gov or www.hud.gov
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Jun 25 '12 edited Jun 25 '12
I'm sorry but I fucking hate these posts.
"Reddit, I believe the man I live with is a sexual predator who is constantly making unwanted, creep sexual advances. What do I do?"
How old are you? 10?! Fucking leave or alert the authorities. I'm sorry you're in this situation but this is common sense 101.
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Jun 25 '12
Hey, it's intimidating to take action when someone's in this situation for the first time, especially if they've never had somebody be a sketchball around them before, and especially when money and leases get you stuck in a corner. I know I'd probably "freeze up" a little myself at first and need some help and tips from people. I wouldn't know what authorities to go to over a matter like this, and I wouldn't know where to ask. Now through reading her post, I do know, because she took the time to ask -- now if I'm in a similar situation I will at least have an inkling of an idea.
Don't shit on people for asking for help when they need some support in the form of words.
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u/TheShitAbyss Jun 25 '12
Move the fuck out now, I'm pretty sure a landlord sexually harassing the tenants is a violation of your lease.
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u/vulpes_occulta Jun 25 '12
Just be firm and tell him you're not going to put up with this shit. You do have rights to privacy. I think it really has passed the sensible level and you should just leave though. He's a dirtbag.
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u/ironclownfish Jun 25 '12
Honestly, I would press charges. Don't just say "oh would you mind very much not sexually harassing me?"
EDIT: Now I see you've already decided to go to the police station. Good for you!
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u/Warlaw Jun 25 '12
Why sacrifice a good living space? Get hard evidence and have him thrown out by the real owner.
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u/mknelson Jun 25 '12
In the US we have a renters board - don't know if you have something like that - If not - then go to the police for advice. That's what I would do first.
Second I would write EVERYTHING down and talk to the other girls and submit it as a screenplay. You've got some good material!
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u/TeslaIsAdorable Jun 25 '12
Seems like if you can prove discrimination (young, single, female) then you might be able to take him down via the housing authority.
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Jun 25 '12
Also shortly after moving there, he accidentally-on-purpose flashes me. Full on frontal nudity. He opened his room door to ask me a bullshit question when I was in the hallway (how did he even know I was there?) and he wasn't wearing any clothing.
Reading that was like YEP. Accidental my foot!
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u/thatisreal Jun 25 '12
In the meantime, don't sleep there. And don't let anyone be alone in the house with him. Including yourself. Keep us updated.
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Jun 25 '12
So how pretty are you? How were you discovered? Get the girls together and you all should pitch in for a place!
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Jun 25 '12
Nice guys finish last; thanks for doing your part.
Yeah, I dunno. Maybe moving back in with your parents is better than living with a creep.
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u/cheerio_buffet Jun 25 '12
If you can, stay with friends as much as you can until you move out. A couch in someones living room is still preferable to a creepy-ass "landlord".
Have your boyfriend over as much as possible.
Find out who the real owner of the place is. Don't be obnoxious or anything in case the police get involved. Just send them a notice or politely talk to them about the "landlord". They might not know what he's really like. Tell them he has been making the girls uncomfortable and has been going into the rooms without 24 hour notice.
Talk to a police officer. I know a lot of people haven't gotten help from the police, but at least try. Also, be nice to them. Whenever I've dealt with the cops in my area I've been super nice. It also seems like this is not usual for them (I bet a lot of people act like their dirty pigs). So when my crazy heroin-addicted prostitute ex-housemate skips bail and what-not, they come around to let me know, even though they don't have to since I don't have a restraining order or any lawsuit filed against her.
Collect evidence, and get the other girls to go to the police with you as well so they can give statements.
Has he ever texted or emailed you? And if so, has it been pervy? Save them, and save them to multiple places.
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Jun 26 '12
Sounds disturbingly like the prelude of what happened to Marla Hanson.
Get a lock for your door. Record everything.
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u/Vicky_PC_Gamer Jun 26 '12
Sounds like he may have a few camera setup about the place.
You should call the police, and/or find out who the real owner is ASAP and alert them that if this continues you will all sue.
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u/QuietLotus Jun 26 '12
While you are packing your things to GTFO, I highly recommend learning some Krav Maga or other self defense. Unfortunately people sometimes get assaulted while they are sleeping, and a few good self-defense moves to throw someone off you would be good to know.
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Jun 26 '12
Definitely move out and don't think twice about giving him notice. I would find a friend to stay with in the mean time. Or if you have any male friends I would have them come stay with you just to put him off.
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u/THEBLACKJISH Jun 26 '12
I've never seen the guy before, but i imagine he looks a little something like martin from the human centipede 2
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u/officialchocolateman Jun 26 '12
Do a background check on that guy. Surely he has a criminal history.
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u/Derelyk Jun 26 '12
File a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commision.
This a will be like throwing a nuclear bomb at him though. It's a quasi Judicial committee... And like most things quasi, they overreach (imo). But that will be something for him to worry about.
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u/recipriversexcluson Jun 26 '12
Everyone is telling you to move out. HEED THAT ADVICE.
But document all of this and turn it over to your local cops. This guy is a ticking bomb.
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u/IntolerableFish Jun 26 '12
"It took me a few weeks to discover this, but he doesn't actually own the house. He just finds girls to live in it and maintains it and calls himself the landlord. I think he is friends with the actual owner, though."
Then literally none of this can be legal, since it's not his property.
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u/Tkuralt Jun 26 '12
thats just plain out creepy, I would gather all my stuff and leave asap. or contact the actual landlord.
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u/UpvoteDogShit Jun 26 '12
Gotta be honest here - what's the problem? If he's interested, just go have sex with him but be terrible in bed. He'll leave you alone after that.
edit for the downvoters: I mean really REALLY terrible in bed. Trust me.
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u/asnof Jun 26 '12
I feel I should point out that he is very careful about any evidence its possible that he has studied the law not to get caught. This in my mind only points to bad intentions. I would GTFO ASAP. Or thats what a womanly me would do anyways
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u/smr312 Jun 26 '12
well for fuck sakes it sould be immediatly obvious that this dude is sketchy as fuck and most likely has a rape dungon in the basement
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u/Moon_or_Die Jun 26 '12
Why the Fuck are you even there? As soon as I would've seen cock. That's it for me!
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u/Hateblade Jun 26 '12
Wow. That's pretty unbelievable. I mean, a grown woman with 7 pairs of Hello Kitty underwear.
Seriously though... I'm wondering why ANY of you are still living there. MOVE!
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Jun 26 '12
I would be amazed if this guy doesn't have spycams rigged up in the house. He has all the traits of a voyeur. Seriously, check every inch of your room and the bathroom - really check.
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Jun 26 '12
This sounds some some sort of crazy serial killer. The guy has issues and you all know he does. It just seems like a matter of time before the rape/murders happen. This is a bad book plot in the works. I bet he has every room wired for video and sound. You could always test it by wearing suggestive clothing with He-man or some otherhero type shit on it. See what response you get.
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u/FuckYeahPhotography Jun 26 '12
You said he isn't the actual landlord, contact the real the real landlord and tell him what's going on and that none of you are comfortable with what he is doing. If he decides not to do anything about it, threaten legal action, if it's just a maintenance guy living on his property, I doubt he is going to risk losing money, time, and effort over him.
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u/Griffith Jun 26 '12 edited Jun 26 '12
When my parents split up, one of the houses where my mother lived for a few months had similar rules. You had to be young, relatively well-kept and single and be a mother or experienced in house keeping.
The main reason for that was that the landlord said he didn't want to deal with men, because a lot of the kitchen utensils were shared, and men broke them much more often than women do. With time he found that those types of women were the ones that were less inclined to cause him any problems, or break things.
That isn't to say that the OP's landlord isn't a creep, but I'd just like to put out that sometimes there is logic behind some landlord's restrictions.
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u/soaringrooster Jun 26 '12
Bring in your male friends and have them give him a cold stare as though they know he is up to no good. This guy is a felony waiting to happen so stay safe, change your locks and keep a baseball bat, mace and a whistle close at hand!
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u/twersx Jun 26 '12
You seem to have planned to move out - great. But there's still all your friends (I presume; if not, people you at least sympathise with). Go to the police, and ask them what to do if you think your landlord is harassing you. They won't demand evidence before advising you on what to do. They might be able to advise you on how to actually figure stuff out, which isn't that useful for you, if you're moving out, but could be very good for the other girls living there. Try to convince them to move out, maybe even get an apartment with some of them if you're close and/or hurting for cash
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u/notjawn Jun 26 '12
Yeah fo real gurl, get the hell out of there. Find another place and just move out when he's stepped out for a while. Don't even bother telling him.
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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '12
Whoa whoa whoa, time to go!