‘You’re in Ibiza’: Landlord catches tenant out after months of excuses

It took three months of unpaid rent, plenty of broken promises and one Instagram story to finally push a landlord to breaking point.

The issue began with Michelle chasing her tenant, Chloe, over unpaid rent.

“The rent is now three months overdue,” Michelle wrote in a text exchange shared by UK property expert Jack Rooke.

“I’ve been really patient with you and I’ve tried to be understanding, but I need to know what’s happening,” the landlord continued, unaware her tenant was more financially secure than they were letting on.

Chloe apologised and blamed unexpected bills for her financial woes.

“Things have just been really hard lately. I’ll get it sorted, I promise x,” she replied.

But Michelle made it clear she had heard the same explanation before and that it was beginning to impact her own finances.

“I have a mortgage on this property. I need the rent.”

Chloe replied: “I know and I’m so sorry. Just need a couple more weeks and I’ll have it all sorted I swear x.”

The exchange might have ended there had Michelle not checked Instagram.

“Chloe, I’ve just seen your Instagram. You’re in Ibiza.”

Rather than denying it, Chloe admitted she had booked a trip after finding a bargain she seemed to find too good to turn down.

“Oh that, haha yeah it was a last-minute thing, genuinely so cheap x,” she replied, later adding: “It was a deal I couldn’t say no to, honestly x.”

“You couldn’t say no to a £400 ($754) holiday. But you couldn’t find the rent for three months,” Michelle replied.

In an apparent attempt to explain herself, Chloe claimed the trip was work-related.

“You went to Ibiza for work?” Michelle asked. “Kind of, yeah,” came the response, with Chloe then adding: “It’s complicated.”

For Michelle, it was the final straw.

“Three months of excuses and you’re posting poolside stories on Instagram. Every penny by Friday. I mean it this time.”