I Asked My Neighbor to Look After My Plants While I Was Away for a Month—When I Came Back, Strangers Were Living in My House

Caroline left for a month-long work trip, trusting her neighbor, Lisa, to water her plants and check the mail. When she returned early, she found a strange family eating dinner in her kitchen, claiming they rented the house through an online service. Confused and furious, Caroline rushed to confront Lisa, who admitted she had been renting out Caroline’s home for a year without permission. Lisa had been making money off it while Caroline was away, assuming it was harmless.

Instead of involving the police, Caroline demanded the money Lisa made, which amounted to $15,000. Lisa reluctantly agreed, and Caroline used the money to buy a small apartment and start over. Months later, Caroline turned her betrayal into an opportunity by renting out her home on her terms, making a profit. She had Lisa to thank in the end for teaching her how to turn betrayal into survival.