A New York City woman has become the unlikely face of the city's desperate housing crisis after advertising a windowless room with a truly bizarre set of house rules.
The now-viral listing, posted on Facebook, offered a bed in a cramped apartment for a staggering $800 (£630) a month. But it was the landlord's extraordinary demands that sent the internet into a frenzy.
The 'Dystopian' House Rules
The prospective tenant was presented with a strict contract that included several hard-to-swallow conditions:
- A strict 'no showering' policy at the property. The ad suggested using a nearby gym membership instead.
- No cooking whatsoever, eliminating any chance of preparing a home-cooked meal.
- No guests were permitted, effectively banning any form of social life.
- No drinking on the premises, adding to the list of forbidden comforts.
Internet Backlash and Outrage
The post was quickly screenshotted and shared across social media, where it was met with universal disbelief and anger. Many commentators described the listing as 'dystopian' and a shocking indictment of the current rental market.
One horrified user wrote, "This has to be a joke. Who would agree to these terms? It's inhumane." Another added, "$800 to not be allowed to shower, cook, or have a life? This is beyond depressing."
The backlash was so severe that the original poster was forced to defend herself, claiming the rules were merely a "rough draft" and that she was open to negotiation. However, the damage was done, and the post continues to circulate as a prime example of exploitative housing conditions.
A Symptom of a Larger Crisis
This incident highlights the extreme lengths people are forced to consider in one of the world's most expensive cities. With rental prices soaring, tenants often feel pressured to accept substandard and wildly unreasonable living situations just to keep a roof over their heads.
This viral story serves as a stark reminder of the realities facing many in the modern housing market, where basic comforts like a hot shower are being negotiated away.
