For the past two years, I lived in a small apartment without a laundry room but had washer and dryer hookups. Working at a wildlife sanctuary, I often got dirty, so I bought my own washer and dryer.

My fiancé Rick and I wanted to move in together, but the landlord, Miles, demanded double rent. We couldn’t afford it and decided to move out. Miles accused us of violating house rules to evict us, but I realized he wanted to rent the upgraded apartment at a higher price.

We moved into Rick’s small apartment, bringing my washer and dryer since his were old. A few days later, Miles called, furious that the appliances were gone. He threatened to call the police, so I told him to go ahead.

The police arrived with Miles, who accused me of theft. I showed the officers receipts and texts proving I bought the appliances. The officers confirmed I was in the right and warned Miles to stop harassing me.

Relieved, Rick and I continued our search for a new place. My work friend mentioned a small house nearby. We visited it that evening, and it was perfect with a reasonable rent and a kind owner. The only concern was the lack of a washer and dryer.

Rick and I laughed, reassuring the owner, “Don’t worry, Lynn. We have that sorted already.”

We signed the lease and finally had a new home, free from Miles’s greed, ready to start our life together with the appliances that caused so much trouble.