AITA for the way I reacted to my parents open relationship and no longer paying rent?

An 18-year-old Reddit user shares frustration over their parents’ open relationship and a disruptive partner moving into their home. Despite paying rent since age 16 to support their financially struggling parents, the user felt powerless when their parents’ new partner disrespected boundaries and even attempted to discipline their dog.

A heated confrontation led the user to move out and refuse further rent payments, leaving the parents in a tough spot. For the full story and community reactions, read below.

‘ AITA for the way I reacted to my parents open relationship and no longer paying rent?’

I (18m) live with my parents, Ive been paying rent since I was 16 since my parents would be financially fucked if I wasn’t helping out. A few my parents told me they are seeing someone and that their relationship is open. I didn’t give a s**t since it wasn’t affecting me until this guy they are seeing started staying nights.

He treat this place like its his, tries to tell me what to do and eats all our (MY) food. I tried talking to my parents about it but they just said its their house so they can have who they want here. I really tried to put up with it until this guy tried to discipline my dog.

I flipped my s**t, it was most certainly not the way you discipline a dog and Im already sick of his s**t. I yelled the house down, calling him all sorts, like “dumb c\*nt” “piece of s**t free loader” and some more vile s**t thats probably way to fucked up to say here.

My parents rushed to see whats going on and tell me off but instead I told them off calling them terrible parents, that they can shove their house up their ass and that I’m not going to pay rent to live in a house i have no say in. That “dumb c\*nt” can cover my rent.

Ive since been staying with my boyfriend. My parents recently texted me asking for my rent. I told them to f**k off and reminded them of what I said. I feel like Im not wrong to not pay rent anymore but I went so overboard with my words. AITA

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

TemptingPenguin369 −  NTA; they turned you into a paying tenant at 16 and I’m glad you’re out. Do you have your dog with you? That would’ve been the final straw for me as well.

Used_Mark_7911 −  NTA – They can’t expect you to pay rent if you are no longer living with them. In some ways this may be the best thing that ever happened to you. It sounds like they haven’t been the best parents and have been milking you financially for housing expenses and food. Better to be on your own and only responsible for supporting yourself.

laughingBaguette −  NTA. For one thing, your parents are AH for forcing you to live in a situation that you’re not comfortable with. Not only is the side dude not respecting boundaries, he’s a stranger, and you shouldn’t be expected to be ok with sharing space with him.

Losing your s**t may have been much, but everyone has a breaking point. Parents going through a change like this (open relationship, separation, divorce) need to have their kids well being in mind, but since you’re legally an adult, you may just have to walk away and let them deal with their financial issues themselves.

StrykerC13 −  NTA, their response shows they ONLY see you as a bank they can withdraw money from. No apology, no “hey we’re ready to listen”, no “we didn’t realize it was this bad.” instead just “hey where’s the money.”

that attitude shows me pretty clearly that they aren’t parents, they are dna donors at Best. I’d suggest cutting them off, and treat them the way you would a random donor who came out of the woodwork begging for money.

murphy2345678 −  NTA. You shouldn’t have been paying for rent from 16-18. If in the US it’s illegal. Try and get as much of your stuff out of their house and your important documents.

XtinaChaos −  NTA. There’s a lot of factors here. For one, you’re not living in their house anymore you don’t owe them any rent that you might have agreed on. For two, it is incredibly hypocritical of them to have another person staying rent free and eating all the food when you

(their child, who imo should never have to pay to live at their parents unless out of necessity – which apparently wasn’t the case since they could house a grown man), and three, your dog? Not his dog. He thought he could discipline YOUR dog.. NTA at all

Noelle_Xandria −  I’m going with NTA on this one. This other guy moves in and thinks he has the right to order you around and to punish your dog? And your parents said nothing? I’m glad you moved out. I’m also bothered that they were charging their minor child rent.

[Reddit User] −  NTA It’s crazy that you’re paying rent this young and starting at 16 As for their open relationship, this guy can’t start making this house HIS house. It’s extremely rude and crosses boundaries that he is trying to be an authority figure to you. Your parents are the only ones that can be your authority, not this guy.

As for moving out, youre 18. You are free to move and no longer pay rent. Tell your parents to put their f**k buddy in his place. Is he paying rent? Or is he just a freeloader and sleeping with them?

jeff4i017 −  NTA, like maybe the cursing tirade wasn’t helpful, but that’s hella weird. And look, it IS their house, but c’mon man…how do they not see they are charging an 18yo rent while their boyfriend eats his food and doesn’t respect boundaries?

Substantial-Air3395 −  NTA – who askes a 16 yr. old to pay rent.