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AIBU?

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AIBU to ask my housemate if my boyfriend can stay over for the night?

233 replies

RealAquaCat · 23/09/2025 20:16

Hello!
So I’ve been living with a friend/work colleague for almost a year now after my last relationship broke down. It’s been working well and has allowed me time to save up a house deposit.
However, here is where it isn’t working so well…

I’ve been with my current boyfriend for several months, and most weekends I will stay at his house. He has stayed here 3 times in total, only when my housemate won’t be home. We live about 35 miles apart, and a few weeks back I asked my housemate if my partner could spend the night one Friday as it would help me out a lot since we had something planned close to our location the next morning. She responded by saying ‘are you okay to go to his house instead?’ I was a little confused as it didn’t seem like a big deal, and would have saved me a 70 mile return journey - but she basically told me no. I’m assuming it’s because she would be home that night.

I would like him to stay for a night this weekend, as again, we have something planned close by the next morning. However, now I feel really awkward about asking. I’m in my 30’s yet I feel like I’m a teenager asking my parents if my boyfriend can stay! I pay rent to my housemate, and we would be out of her way if that’s what she wants. Am I unreasonable to think it should be okay for him to stay literally just once in a while?

Thank you!

OP posts:
outerspacepotato · 23/09/2025 20:23

She's probably afraid you'll be having him most nights if she said yes.

You can ask, but if it's her home, it's up to her. Get your own place if you want bf sleeping over.

Arlanymor · 23/09/2025 20:22

Are you in a house share or are you her lodger? I know on the surface that what you are asking is not unreasonable. But if it’s her house and you rent from her then she decides the rules and you only agree to rent from her if you agree to the rules. I guess you never discussed this at the beginning as you were both single? It’s a tricky one and what you are asking is not unreasonable in and of itself; but she has a right to feel comfortable in her own home and from her past response I think you know what the answer will be. But as I say - what is the living arrangement?

KilkennyCats · 23/09/2025 20:21

She’s not your housemate, is she?
She’s your landlady. She can set whatever rules she chooses, really, however unfair they may seem.

Sunflower459 · 23/09/2025 20:21

Have you asked her why she objects to him staying? I would be curious about that in your place, and understanding it may help you to compromise on the issue.

pinkyredrose · 23/09/2025 20:20

Oh are you lodging in her house? It wasn't clear to me.

CaptainMyCaptain · 23/09/2025 20:19

A house share is different to being a lodger. If you're paying rent to her to stay in her home she can say no to overnight visitors.

pinkyredrose · 23/09/2025 20:19

Why do you have to ask her? It's your house too, you pay for it, just bring him back! Does she ask before bringing people back?

Notmycircusnotmyotter · 23/09/2025 20:17

You're her lodger so it's trickier. You're not unreasonable but what was the agreement when you moved in?