That Time I Became a Landlord for Three Hours

So there's this moment in your life where you think you've figured something out, and then reality shows up like "nah, sit down."

Last month, my cousin asked if she could rent the spare room in my apartment. I said yes immediately—extra income, right? I'm thinking passive revenue, financial independence, the whole thing. I even drafted a lease agreement on Google Docs like I knew what I was doing.

First red flag: I didn't know what I was doing.

She moved in on a Friday. Everything was fine. We had the whole "housemate chat"—dishes, noise levels, guests, the usual. I felt mature. Professional. Like a real property manager.

By Saturday afternoon, she'd somehow invited four friends over, and they were having a full house party in the living room...