For the past two years, I lived in a small apartment with no laundry room, but it had hookups for a washer and dryer. Working at a wildlife sanctuary, I get dirty often, so I bought my own washer and dryer. One day, after a muddy chase with a wild boar named Bacon, I needed them more than ever.

Recently, my fiancé, Rick, and I got engaged and wanted to live together. But our landlord, Miles, said we’d have to pay double rent because of two incomes. We couldn’t afford it, and when we refused, Miles accused us of having parties and disturbing the peace, giving us a month to move out.

We decided to move into Rick’s small apartment and took the washer and dryer with us. Miles, furious that the new tenants expected them, threatened to call the police. When the police arrived, I showed them my receipts. They confirmed the appliances were mine and warned Miles to stop harassing us. Despite the stress, Rick and I found a charming small house with a kind owner. It felt like a fresh start.