AITAH for Not Letting My Mom Move Into My House After She Got Evicted?

Family drama is never easy, especially when it involves tough decisions about boundaries and financial responsibility. I never thought I’d be in this position, but here I am—wondering if I’m the asshole for refusing to let my mom move in with me after her eviction. Let me explain the situation, and you tell me: AITAH?

The Backstory Unfolds

My mom has always struggled with money. Growing up, we moved constantly because she couldn’t keep up with rent. I swore I’d never live like that as an adult, and after years of hard work, I finally bought my own home—a modest but stable place for my partner and me.

Last month, my mom called in tears. She’d been evicted—again—this time for not paying rent for six months. She begged to stay with me “just for a little while,” but I hesitated. I’ve heard that before.

Past Patterns Repeat

This wasn’t her first eviction. The last time she stayed with me (five years ago), what was supposed to be two weeks turned into eight months. She didn’t contribute to bills, ate all our groceries, and even invited her sketchy boyfriend over without asking. When I finally set boundaries, she played the victim.

Now, she’s insisting things will be different. But her track record says otherwise. She hasn’t held a steady job in years and spends what little she has on lottery tickets and cigarettes.

My Tough Decision

After discussing it with my partner, I told my mom no. I offered to help her find affordable housing or connect her with social services, but I wouldn’t let her move in. She exploded—called me selfish, ungrateful, and said family should always come first.

Part of me feels guilty. She is my mom. But another part knows that enabling her won’t help either of us long-term. I’ve worked too hard to let chaos back into my home.

The Family Backlash

Word got around to my aunts and cousins. Some say I’m heartless—that I owe her for raising me. Others (the ones who’ve also bailed her out before) quietly support me. The worst part? My mom is now couch-surfing with friends, which makes me feel like the villain in this story.

But here’s the thing: I didn’t cause her eviction. She made choices (not paying rent, not seeking help sooner) that led here. Why should I light myself on fire to keep her warm?

Setting Boundaries Hurts

This is the hardest part of adulthood—saying no to someone you love because it’s what’s best for both of you. If I let her move in, nothing would change. She’d drain my savings, strain my marriage, and we’d be right back here in a year.

Instead, I’m encouraging her to access resources: shelters, rental assistance, job programs. It’s not the easy fix she wants, but it’s the only real solution.

Am I the Asshole?

Logically, I know I’m not wrong. Emotionally? It’s messy. Maybe I could’ve given her a two-week deadline with strict rules. But after last time, I don’t trust that she’d respect those terms.

So I’m turning to you, internet strangers. Be honest—AITAH for prioritizing my stability over my mom’s poor decisions? Have you been in this situation? How did you handle it?

Your Thoughts Matter

If you’ve ever dealt with a similar family dilemma, drop a comment below. Did I make the right call? Would you have done differently? Let’s discuss—no judgment here, just real talk about tough love and boundaries.

And if you’re facing this yourself, know you’re not alone. Sometimes loving someone means not rescuing them from the consequences of their actions. Stay strong.