AITAH for Asking My Sister to Pay Rent After She Moved In?

Family dynamics can get complicated, especially when money is involved. Recently, I found myself in a sticky situation where I had to ask my younger sister to contribute to household expenses after she moved into my apartment. What started as a temporary arrangement turned into months of free living, and I finally put my foot down. But now, I’m left wondering—was I the jerk in this scenario? Let’s break it down.

The Temporary Setup

When my sister lost her job last year, she asked if she could stay with me for a few weeks while she got back on her feet. I agreed, thinking it would be a short-term solution. But weeks turned into months, and she made no effort to find a new place or even contribute to groceries. I started feeling like a free hotel, but I didn’t want to strain our relationship by bringing it up.

The Breaking Point

After six months, I finally snapped. My utilities had gone up, and I was covering all the rent alone while she spent money on new clothes and takeout. I calmly asked if she could start paying a small portion of rent—just $300 a month—to help out. She immediately got defensive, saying family shouldn’t charge each other and that I was being greedy. That reaction made me question if I was overstepping.

Family vs Fairness

I’ve always believed in helping family, but I also think fairness matters. If she were struggling financially, I’d understand. But she had savings and was just taking advantage of my generosity. When I explained that, she accused me of prioritizing money over our bond. Was I wrong for expecting her to contribute, or was she being entitled?

Outside Perspectives

I asked a few close friends for their take, and the responses were mixed. Some said I was justified since adults should share expenses, while others argued that siblings should help each other unconditionally. One friend pointed out that if roles were reversed, my sister might not have been so lenient. That made me think—was I enabling her by not setting boundaries sooner?

The Fallout

Things got tense after our talk. She eventually agreed to pay but acted resentful, and our relationship hasn’t been the same since. Part of me regrets not handling it differently, but another part feels relieved that I stood up for myself. Was there a better way to approach this, or was confrontation inevitable?

Lessons Learned

Looking back, I realize I should’ve set clear expectations from the beginning. Letting her stay rent-free for so long created an unhealthy dynamic. Moving forward, I’ll be more upfront about financial boundaries, even with family. But I still wonder—AITAH for finally speaking up?

What do you think? Have you been in a similar situation with family and finances? Share your thoughts or own AITAH stories in the comments!