Dear Miss Edna,
I need your wisdom because, quite frankly, I feel like I’m being punished for simply trying to live my life.
I’ve been renting my apartment for over a year now, and in that time, I’ll admit—I’ve been a little late on rent… maybe four or five times. But it’s not like I never pay! I always get it in before the eviction notice actually goes through, so I don’t see what the big deal is.
The truth is, sometimes life happens, and I have more important things to take care of than rent. Like last month, when I needed a new outfit for a job interview. Or when my friends planned a last-minute night out, and I deserved to have fun after all the stress of work. And let’s not forget my Bluetooth system needed an upgrade because my old one barely connects to my playlists.
So yes, I’ve been late—but I always pay eventually!
My Landlord is a Greedy Tyrant!
Despite all this, my cold-hearted landlord still has the nerve to charge me late fees and send me warnings like I’m some kind of criminal. Last week, he even raised my rent—which is absolutely insane, because I already struggle to make ends meet.
And before you say it, Miss Edna—yes, I have a job. But people shouldn’t have to work themselves into exhaustion just to afford basic housing! Rent is too high, and landlords should be required to keep it affordable for tenants.
Housing Should Be a Right!
I posted about this online, and so many people agree with me! Housing should be a right, not a privilege. I deserve to have a place to live without being nickel-and-dimed every month.
Miss Edna, am I crazy for thinking this is unfair? I just want to live in peace without being harassed for money every month.
— I Deserve Housing, Not Heartache
Miss Edna’s Response
Oh, sweetheart. I had to set my coffee down for this one because I nearly choked. You are not being “punished for trying to live your life.” You are facing the consequences of not paying your bills on time. Big difference.
Rent is Not an Optional Subscription Service
Your landlord is not Netflix. You don’t get to put your rent on pause because you had a “more important” expense, like a night out with friends or a Bluetooth upgrade. Housing isn’t a gym membership—you don’t get to “skip a month” when money is tight.
You signed a lease. A legal agreement that says, “I will pay this amount, at this time, in exchange for a place to live.” That’s not oppression. That’s called being an adult.
Your Landlord is Not the Problem—You Are
Your landlord is not a “greedy tyrant” for expecting you to follow the terms of the lease you agreed to. In fact, I’d argue he’s been pretty patient if you’ve been late four or five times in a year. Most landlords would have booted you after the second time.
And those late fees you’re whining about? They aren’t punishments—they are **reminders** that time is money. Every day you don’t pay, your landlord still has to cover **his** bills—property taxes, maintenance, insurance. Your rent isn’t going into some magical vault where he swims in gold coins like Scrooge McDuck.
“Housing is a Right!”
Listen closely, cupcake: The right to have a roof over your head does not mean the right to have someone else foot the bill for it.
Water is also a necessity for survival, but if you stop paying your water bill, guess what? No water. Food is essential, too, but if you waltz into the grocery store demanding free groceries because “eating is a right,” you’ll be leaving with nothing but an empty cart and some side-eyes.
That’s not injustice. That’s life.
The Truth You Don’t Want to Hear
Let’s be real—you aren’t struggling to pay rent because of oppression. You’re struggling because you prioritize fun over financial responsibility. Adulthood means that responsibilities come before wants. And unless you are Elon Musk, there will be times that you will need to pay the bills and save for the wants for a later date.
- You weren’t late on rent because of a medical emergency—you were out buying a new outfit.
- You didn’t struggle because of unexpected job loss—you were too busy at brunch.
- You aren’t on the verge of eviction because of bad luck—you are there because of **bad choices.**
And the worst part? You don’t even see it.
The Solution is Simple
Here’s some free financial wisdom, on the house:
- Pay your rent first, not last.
- Avoid luxuries you cannot afford.
- Stop expecting other people to carry the burden of **your** poor planning.
Because at the end of the day, your landlord doesn’t owe you a discount, society doesn’t owe you free housing, and life doesn’t owe you a break just because you “feel” like it should.
Grow up. Pay your bills. And maybe next time, try being early on rent for once.
— Miss Edna, who is exhausted from all this nonsense