AITA for asking my landlady to pay me for the ice cream her grandchildren ate and the notebook her grandchildren tore?

A college student, renting a room, was frustrated and saddened to discover that her landlady’s grandchildren had trespassed in her personal space. They had damaged a meaningful notebook she’d received as a present and consumed her expensive ice cream. Although the landlady proposed replacing the notebook, it was no longer available for purchase.

The student, who has very little money, intends to request repayment for the notebook and the ice cream. She is unsure if asking for the money back is too much.

‘ AITA for asking my landlady to pay me for the ice cream her grandchildren ate and the notebook her grandchildren tore?’

As background, I’m a graduating student relying on my savings, so my funds are limited. I rent a room close to campus in a house shared with the landlady and two other college students, making it an all-adult household. Here’s what occurred:

This woman’s grandkids are here (three kids aged two to seven). Typically, we leave our doors ajar since there are so few of us and we trust each other in the house. However, with the kids running around, I’ve been keeping the door shut (but unlocked).

I came back tired in the afternoon and felt that there was something out of place in my room, like that feeling that someone moved something and that person tried to make it look like it didn’t. I got a little nervous and asked my best friend (who rents another of the rooms) if he had come in,

He refuted the accusation, and I accepted his word. Later, I noticed a bookmark on the ground. I chose to check the kitchen for anything that belonged to me and discovered my notebook—a cherished birthday present from my closest friend many years prior, distinguished by its charming cat illustration—beneath a table. It was now soiled, damaged, and beyond repair.

The woman who is my tenant noticed my near tears over it (I was embarrassed to cry, but stationery holds a special place for me, especially when it’s a gift) and she volunteered to replace it, but it’s no longer being made…

After deciding to relax, I indulged in some ice cream—a treat I’d purchased because my mother had kindly sent me funds. It was then I REALIZED IT WAS ALL GONE (a whole liter!). Now, while the woman isn’t aware of my discovery regarding the ice cream, I intend to ask her to reimburse me today so I can purchase some notebooks.

I am hesitant to request payment for this, but my financial situation requires it, and I am very annoyed that they consume and damage my possessions… (and yes, the door was locked today).

Everything worked out. After talking with her, it became clear that everything was simply due to miscommunication and benevolent intentions. Actually, the moment I got there, she inquired whether I’d managed to get a new notebook. She even offered me a plate of food she had prepared (which is invaluable to a student). I was feeling somewhat bad about the situation because I am very sympathetic towards children.

Privacy, a concern I share, has been addressed. The children were both warned and subsequently reprimanded for entering. Fortunately, I didn’t have any truly hazardous items within their reach, such as medications or scalpels – tools I use for practicing nursing skills.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

MrBrainsFabbots −  NTA, not at all. They might be kids, but they should know not to steal and ruin other peoples things. She has already offered to buy you a new notebook, don’t think it’s too much to ask for the ice cream too

Background-Fix-417 −  NTA. If you go to someone’s house, go through their room, ruin a notebook, and eat all their ice cream, they will expect you to pay. What makes them any different? Bcuz they’re kids?

They may be children, but they were being watched by an adult who clearly disrespected you. If the owner said they would pay for the book, they should also pay for the ice cream.

SarcasticBench −  Info – How old are these kids? Actually it doesn’t matter, my boys are 10 and 11 now and they never acted like that growing up. These don’t sound like kids at all, more like feral wolverines

Gennevieve1 −  NTA. But your landlady doesn’t seem malicious. She offered to replace the torn notebook so you should just talk to her and ask her to replace the ice cream. She’ll most likely won’t make a fuss about it. Just communicate.

TemptingPenguin369 −  NTA. I’m sorry you had your things ruined or stolen and your privacy violated. Your landlady should absolutely pay you back for the notebook (even if you can’t get the exact same one) and the ice cream.

HellerrrItsMe −  It’s ok to ask her, it doesn’t have to be a big deal. Say “Hey I noticed your grandkids ate my ice cream which you may have been unaware of, would you mind picking up (brand, flavor, size) when you go to the store today?” And yes allow her to pay for the notebook.

Leading-Knowledge712 −  NTA Yes, she should buy you new ice cream. Re the notebook that’s been discontinued, check eBay. Often you can find discontinued items there. If not, find something similar and let the landlady pay for it as she offered. Sorry that happened to you!

Zealousideal_Fail946 −  Both items were stolen from you. Period. Don’t feel guilty for asking for both to be paid for. If she turns it against you – find a new place to live. THings will never change and you will always be to blame.

Decent-Historian-207 −  NTA but you need to speak to your landlady. She already offered to replace the notebook so just use your words.

Is seeking compensation appropriate here, or should she disregard it? Provide your opinions below!