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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner charging rent

267 replies

6pmGinOclock · 30/03/2022 14:21

NC for this.
Was to move in with partner last month into his flat. We both rent.
As soon as I handed in notice he started being awkward, silent treatments, lack of restect, twisting things, saying I'm over reacting and so on.

I have changed my mind, put a halt on the move and kept my rented flat. (Was in abusive relationship before and I'm not going to go back there!)
He apologised, said he loves me and would like us to try and overcome problems, every relationship has problems and it is normal to not feel happy sometimes.

He wanted me to be at his flat with him despite the fact I have decided to keep my flat too. He wanted me to get rid of the other flat because he says I'm too attached to it, it isn't healthy and because of that we can't progress and move on. I still want to keep my flat until I know if this relationship is going to work, still have majority of furniture there but essentially live with him, because he insisted on it.

Today he is asking me for a rent payment, ie he wants me to pay half of his all bills including rent. Because I still have the other flat I simply can't afford to pay for both flats and would need to dip in savings every month to pay him rent. I'm happy to pay my own way so he isn't out of pocket ie half of utilities and food. When being here I already spent much more money on food for us 3 (me, him and his DD who is here 50% of time) than I would normally do.

We spoke last week and he mentioned rent and I've said if he wants me to pay him rent (we never had this conversation before so I actually was baffled), I can't afford it and I have no choice but move back to my flat. I was happy to do it but he didn't like it and still wanted me to stay where I am. As soon as I mentioned that I can move my stuff back over to my flat he started saying how unreliable I am and he can't trust me.

I wanted to give us a chance and keep the arrangement from before we agreed to live together - I was at his more because I work from home and he lives close to his work and DD. I would be happy for us to live in my flat but he doesn't like it because it is too far. He is not out of pocket at all and earns good money. But he says that because I've agreed to living together, and we essentially do, he expects me to pay half of all bills.
Of course I would pay half if I was happy to move in together, but I'm not, I need more time. I would like to wait a few months to see how things are between us but he doesn't like it.

Am I being unreasonable?
I want to be fair but maybe I'm seeing it from wrong perspective?

OP posts:
Xiaoxiong · 30/03/2022 14:23

Run, far and fast. He is doing his level best to break down your (excellent) boundaries.

Movingonup22 · 30/03/2022 14:23

Why would you stay in a relationship with him? He’s clearly a dickhead 🤷‍♀️

Heartburnkillingme · 30/03/2022 14:23

Yanbu

CandlesBlanketsandTea · 30/03/2022 14:25

Why haven't you dumped him?

Lockheart · 30/03/2022 14:25

If you're not happy to move in together then don't.

He's not BU to ask for a contribution to rent if you're living there. But if you can't afford it then you need to either get rid of your flat (I would not do this) or move back out (do this, he sounds like a bit of a knob wanting you to sell your flat and move in when you're not ready).

peachgreen · 30/03/2022 14:25

To be honest, from your post it's pretty clear the relationship isn't going to work, so I would cut your losses now and move back to your own flat.

Definitely do not give up your flat and do not start paying half his rent!

lady725516 · 30/03/2022 14:26

Did you post about this not so long ago?

Glad you have kept your flat. Get rid of him, you deserve so much more!

Selena55 · 30/03/2022 14:26

What Lockheart said

Easterbunnyiswindowshopping · 30/03/2022 14:26

Well his true colours have shown haven't they?
Your gut told you to keep your flat for a bloody good reason!
Ltb today op.
And be very grateful to your intuition..

steff13 · 30/03/2022 14:26

Why would you even entertain this any longer? Move back to your place and end the relationship.

freedomhereicome · 30/03/2022 14:26

Just no

Red flags a go go

And I'm normally the worst for spotting them

shivawn · 30/03/2022 14:26

How long are you with this guy? From what you've described here I'd be very wary. You're right to keep your own flat.

Hankunamatata · 30/03/2022 14:27

So he is trying to use another tactic ie asking for rent to force you to give up your flat hmmm

Trisolaris · 30/03/2022 14:27

You told him you aren’t moving in so he shouldn’t be asking for rent. He isn’t out of pocket and doesn’t need it as nothing has changed for him financially. It would be different if the two of you had been moving into a new place together and you had backed out and stuck him with rent he cannot afford by himself.

This looks to me like he has given you another reason to not just step back but end the relationship.

tiddlywinks2 · 30/03/2022 14:27

Leave him. He doesn't sound like a good man, you've mentioned previously being in an abusive relationship, I would leave and take a look at the freedom project, abusers come in many forms, sometimes when you've been in a relationship that was horrendous, you accept the bare minimum as normal.

Please get away from him, fast. Thanks

twoandcooplease · 30/03/2022 14:28

Don't give up your flat. Just don't

girlmom21 · 30/03/2022 14:28

He doesn't want you to give up your flat because you're too attached to it. He wants you to give up your flat so that you're solely reliant on him and you can't leave.

Run OP. He's another abuser in the making.

Whatsthestoryboringglory · 30/03/2022 14:28

I’d say trust your instincts on this one. He isn’t being reasonable, as soon as he thought you had given up your flat and had nowhere to run to he started behaving badly and then only changed when you got your flat back.

There are some big red flags here OP.

Pixiedust1234 · 30/03/2022 14:29

You were told in the last thread that he was being very abusive to you and you should run. I realise you kept your flat (thank goodness) but why didn't you break up with him then? Move back to your own flat, take your belongings when he is not there and stop seeing him. He is not good for you (or any woman).

Run. Run. Run.

Orgasmagorical · 30/03/2022 14:31

As soon as I handed in notice he started being awkward, silent treatments, lack of restect, twisting things, saying I'm over reacting and so on.

He thought you couldn't turn back so felt he was safe to start his abuse.

we never had this conversation before so I actually was baffled

That's the gaslighting right there.

I could go on. I strongly recommend that you do not go any further with this 'man', he will abuse the shit out of you. I never say LTB lightly.

TheLoveOfMoney · 30/03/2022 14:31

If theres doubt then you would absolutely be doing the right thing in keeping your flat and I'd be wanting to move all my belongings back there to. He doesnt get to gaslight you, you need space and distance to contemplate your relationship. Seems he just wants your money and does he expect you to help with his daughter if you're working from home? Are you unpaid nanny care?

KatsuKatsu · 30/03/2022 14:32

I would end it and be pleased you have kept your flat.

maddening · 30/03/2022 14:33

Ditch rhe prick, look at him with all the red flags in your mind and remember that all the "I love you really" guff is just another red flag given the rest of his behaviour. And keep in mind how hard it was to leave the previous abusive relationship and the damage you have had to unpick, any more you wander in to this arseholes grasp is extra steps you will have to run to escape, he has shown you who he is.

Starlightstarbright1 · 30/03/2022 14:37

I think you know your answer...listen to your gut.

NativityDreaming · 30/03/2022 14:38

YANBU, you need to move back to your place completely. Thank god you kept your own place.

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