Weird Things You Didn't Know About Living In The White House

List Rules Vote up the most surprising and revealing things about life in the White House. 

Ever wonder what living in the White House is like?  That's easy: It's weird!  Life in the White House for the first family (its only permanent residents) is like a cross between living in a fortress, a resort, and a museum - but somehow more unusual.  From not being able to drive to having weak Wi-Fi, the country's leader has several liberties taken away while living in the White House. 

In 2017, White House officials allegedly submitted numerous requests for repairs and new equipment.  But, as reported by NBC Washington's News4 I-Team, the most eye-opening one was for pest control to eradicate the mice getting into the Situation Room and the Navy's mess hall in the White House. 

In addition to this, News4 says there are apparently roaches in the West Wing. 

Is this surprising? 

Photo: mark reinstein / Shutterstock.com

2

The President Is Billed Every Month For Food And Incidentals

There's no free lunch (or breakfast, brunch, or dinner) for the first family: All presidents and their families have to pay for their own food, dry cleaning, toothpaste, and other incidentals while in office; they're billed at the end of the month.  Mental Floss notes the sticker shock caught Nancy Reagan off-guard, as she claimed nobody had informed her or President Reagan about having to pay for what they used from their salary.  It shouldn't be a huge problem given how much the president gets paid, but expenses can add up quickly. 

There's no charge, however, for food served at White House state functions - the taxpayers take care of this. 

Is this surprising? 

Photo: Shutterstock

3

There Is No Private Entrance Or Exit To The Residence

It makes sense the first family can't just come and go as they please, but did you know, according to The Obamas by Jodi Kantor, they do not have any private entrances or exits where they live?  It's one of the downsides to living in a combination fortress/museum. 

Staff and tourists have access to the Diplomatic Reception Room - close to where the entrance to the White House bedrooms is located - during regular operating hours, so the first family has to crouch behind brown screens to avoid detection. 

Is this surprising? 

Photo: Frontpage / Shutterstock.com

4

Carpet Stains From First Pets Aren't Always Removed Immediately

You would think someone would quickly take care of pet stains from the White House carpets, but this is not always the case.  It's unclear if other administrations' pets left a mess behind, but there is one little legacy that remains confirmed. 

Obama family biographer Jodi Kantor tells The Guardian that thanks to the Bush family's cats,stains remained on the carpet when the Obamas took residence in the White House.