Disputes over access to shared driveways along the property line can also be horror stories. One neighbor may block the driveway or claim exclusive use. There was a situation where two neighbors had a shared driveway. One of them parked their large RV on it for months, preventing the other from using it properly. This led to arguments, calls to the police, and ultimately a court case to determine the rights of access.
There was a case where a family thought they owned a certain area up to a large tree on what they believed was their property line. However, new surveys showed the tree was actually on the neighbor's side. The neighbor then cut down the tree, which had been a cherished part of the family's yard for years. It led to a huge feud between the two families with lots of shouting and threats.
There was a case where the property management didn't maintain the common areas. The hallways were dirty, the lights were out in some areas, and the elevators were constantly breaking down. They kept saying they were short - staffed but did nothing to improve the situation. Tenants were unhappy and some even considered moving out.
One horror story is about a tenant who found out the apartment was infested with cockroaches after moving in. The landlord refused to take any action at first. Another is a renter who discovered mold growing all over the bathroom walls due to a leak that the landlord had ignored for months. And there was a case where a tenant was constantly harassed by the upstairs neighbor, and the landlord did nothing to resolve the situation.
One that stands out is 'I heard a child laughing in the empty school at night.' Empty schools at night are already spooky places, and the sound of a child's laughter when there should be no children there adds to the horror. It makes you think about the possible reasons for the laughter. Is it a ghost of a child who met an untimely end? Or is it something even more sinister?
One horror story could be unexpected structural issues in a house they were renovating. For example, finding major water damage in the walls that was hidden. This not only increased the cost but also delayed the renovation schedule.
A memorable one is 'I can't sleep at night because I keep hearing my name being whispered in my ear, but there's no one there.' It gives that feeling of being haunted and makes you shiver at the thought of an unseen presence that knows your name.
One could be 'The last person on Earth sat alone in a room. There was a knock on the door.' It's terrifying as it makes you wonder what could be knocking when there's supposed to be no one else left.
Another one might be 'The old doll in the attic blinked. I'm sure it did.' This simple line creates a sense of unease as dolls are often associated with the uncanny. The idea of an inanimate object like a doll showing signs of life is quite terrifying.
Tenants can start by doing their research. Look for reviews of the property management company online. They should also ask for references from current or former tenants. Another important step is to have a very clear lease agreement. Make sure all the terms are in writing and understood. And if possible, try to have a face - to - face meeting with the property manager before signing the lease to gauge their professionalism.