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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

I’m moving house today and leaving my DB to be evicted, come tell me it’ll be ok?

311 replies

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:08

I live in a HA bungalow, 2.5 beds which is adapted for my DC whose disabled. I am a single parent, split with DCs dad due to violence and control, which he continues even now we’re split.

Last year my parents persuaded me emotionally blackmailed me into letting my AuADHD DSib move in when they split with their spouse.

It’s been horrible and everytime I raise it with my parents I get emotional blackmail about how I’ve always landed on my feet and it’s only fair I share my luck. I sleep on the sofa because the small room isn’t big enough for a bed and DSib couldn’t possibly sleep on the sofa with their issues.

Examples of DBs behaviour (it’s longer than this though)

  • Told me they are a better parent to DC than I am because he actually deals with their meltdowns – DC gets told no, and I do not allow hitting, kicking or bitting during meltdowns but if DC wants to be sad/overstimulated/angry that’s allowed, they can have a shout and then go sit in their room to calm down, I find if I do anything else they get worse and are more likely to become violent but DB picks DC up and puts them in their room and tells them they can’t have anything to eat or drink until they calm down, this usually makes them worse and I get shouted at for “Not dealing with DC”
  • DC (aged 10 almost 11) gets shouted at by DSib most mornings for waking them up to early (7.30am on a school morning, 8.30am on weekends, apparently any noise before 11am is too much)
  • DSib wakes DC up in the night shouting into their gaming headset when I asked DSib to keep it down I get told to grow up and deal with my child to stop them disturbing DSib
  • DSib said they’re a better pet owner than me because they occasionally let my Dog into the garden while I’m working – I still walk the dog x3 a day, feed them twice a day, pick up their poop from the garden. I also care for DSibs cats; feed them, sort their litter tray, keep Dog away from them as the cats don’t like her. And I also care for my neighbours pets when they go away several times a year. But apparently DSib is better than me at pet ownership
  • I ask DSib for a small contribution to the rent/bills to be told that I am disgusting and money grabbing and if need money I need to get off my a**e and get a job – it was less than £100 a month DSib gets over £1k a month from UC and PIP. I work admittedly I freelance so only work on average 6 days per month but I al get DLA for DC, and some UC moneys not an issue for me, I never borrow it from anyone I just thought DSib should contribute
  • DSib told my ExH how awful a parent I am to DC so now I get EA via text message from him
  • DSib tried to make DC feel bad because they have an adapted bathroom off their room according to DSib the ensuite is for adults and they deserve it more than DC because they have to share a bathroom with me
  • I have a basket in the main bathroom next to my toilet with period products, toilet paper and other bathroom products in for anyone to help themselves to if needed – Dsib moved all my period products out of the bathroom and told me to keep “those things hidden in a bag or something that’s not gross”
  • Threatened to get my elderly neighbours evicted when they had a BBQ with their DC and GC – apparently it stinks and they were too noisy – it was 6pm on a Saturday night last summer, they were inside by 9pm and they invited my DC to go over and play with their GC (and offered them some food off the BBQ to)
  • Same neighbours dog got into my garden, did it’s business and then ran back into it’s own home. Neighbours offered to clear it up but I did it, these things happen, it could have been my dog who got into their garden – Dsib says the dog is awfully behaved and they should lose it when they get evicted – it’s a small breed dog; shitzh zhu (sp?) and gets on well with both my DC and my dog, I’ve never heard their dog so much as bark when someone knocks their door, they wouldn’t let a vicious/badly behaved dog around their own GC

I could go on, but I’ve been threatened, told I’m disgusting and everything else when I told DSib to move out at the beginning of the year. Apparently I have it so easy and need to wake up to the realities of life. DSib can’t possibly live in a HMO according to my parents which is what they were offered before they moved in with me.

So in March I contacted my housing association for advice. They’re offered me a bungalow closer to DCs school, similar layout to ours and includes the adapted bathroom DC has now but it’s only 2 beds. The family currently in that bungalow have a child at a school closer to my current place, so we’re basically swapping.

I’m all packed, just waiting for the HAs van to arrive to take my stuff (I’ve paid extra for this). I’ve bought myself a new bed so DSib can have the one they currently sleep in. DC goes to their dad tonight for 2 nights so I have time to get it all ready for DC to come back on Sunday.

DSib is being evicted today, they’ll offer a HMO again (under 35 so can’t offer a 1 bed flat apparently), my name will be mud in my family, but I’m past caring although slightly worried.

It’ll be ok won’t it?

OP posts:
BernardButlersBra · 11/04/2025 15:42

@ChickenBananas exactly, he's not a tenant so it's a police job

tattychicken · 11/04/2025 15:42

I'm not defending him, he is totally taking the piss. I hope he does leave. Just giving the OP a heads up it might not be as straightforward as she hopes.

www.lbhf.gov.uk/housing/council-tenants/squatters-and-unauthorised-occupants

gamerchick · 11/04/2025 15:42

Rollercoaster1920 · 11/04/2025 15:04

I don't see why you didn't just kick your sibling out, they weren't on your tenancy in the first place (just a guest). The home swap seems unnecessary.

I hope the incoming family aren't forced to wait whilst an eviction process is gone through. I feel like you are making more drama out of what is a bad situation.

Have you tried removing a man? Not to mention a man with SEN and a massive sense of entitlement with nobody in your corner because they don't want to deal with him?

You obviously haven't or you wouldn't have posted those words.

Good luck OP, don't tell any of your family where you live and if he shows up at your door, ring the police to remove him.

So what if they only have a 1 bed? Why is it ok for you to sleep on the settee and not one of them?

BruFord · 11/04/2025 15:42

You didn’t have any choice, OP. As @Zombella says, he’s abusive.

Re. The house swap. Being closer to their child’s school is advantageous to the other family, plus they’ll get a bigger home. I imagine that’s why the HA is in favor of it as it works for both of you, and they’re clearly willing to take necessary action to evict your brother.

Your brother isn’t your responsibility, OP, your child is. Keep repeating that if your parents continue to give you grief. 💐

Elsvieta · 11/04/2025 15:45

It'll be ok if you make it ok, by not caving to pressure from DM and DF. I mean, the place you're leaving is effectively a two-bed, as one room is too small for sleeping, and you've been on the sofa and giving up your bed for DB, right? So you could easily end up doing the same thing in your new two-bed, IF you give in to the FOG when he's told there'll be a few weeks' wait for his HMO place, or after he gets thrown out of the HMO for aggravating the neighbours, or whatever. Just make up your mind that your parents aren't going to make him your problem again and that you aren't going to care what your parents think, and it'll be fine. Stay strong.

dapsnotplimsolls · 11/04/2025 15:46

You've done the right thing. I hope you and your DC enjoy your new home. Block him if you think he will hassle you. Block your parents as well if necessary - maybe one of them could sleep on the sofa for a while as you've had to do so he can have a bed?!

thepariscrimefiles · 11/04/2025 15:50

Well done OP! You are doing the best thing for you and your kids. Your DB can go and live with your parents if they think he's so marvellous.

They will try and use emotional blackmail again but do not listen to them. Your brother is disgustingly awful and your enabling parents aren't much better.

I hope you and your kids are really happy in your new home.

thepariscrimefiles · 11/04/2025 15:52

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

They both have 1 beds (yeah parents aren't even together!)

Well, one of them can sleep on the sofa to let your brother have the bedroom as he's so fragile, like you had to do.

DoodlesMam · 11/04/2025 15:55

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:08

I live in a HA bungalow, 2.5 beds which is adapted for my DC whose disabled. I am a single parent, split with DCs dad due to violence and control, which he continues even now we’re split.

Last year my parents persuaded me emotionally blackmailed me into letting my AuADHD DSib move in when they split with their spouse.

It’s been horrible and everytime I raise it with my parents I get emotional blackmail about how I’ve always landed on my feet and it’s only fair I share my luck. I sleep on the sofa because the small room isn’t big enough for a bed and DSib couldn’t possibly sleep on the sofa with their issues.

Examples of DBs behaviour (it’s longer than this though)

  • Told me they are a better parent to DC than I am because he actually deals with their meltdowns – DC gets told no, and I do not allow hitting, kicking or bitting during meltdowns but if DC wants to be sad/overstimulated/angry that’s allowed, they can have a shout and then go sit in their room to calm down, I find if I do anything else they get worse and are more likely to become violent but DB picks DC up and puts them in their room and tells them they can’t have anything to eat or drink until they calm down, this usually makes them worse and I get shouted at for “Not dealing with DC”
  • DC (aged 10 almost 11) gets shouted at by DSib most mornings for waking them up to early (7.30am on a school morning, 8.30am on weekends, apparently any noise before 11am is too much)
  • DSib wakes DC up in the night shouting into their gaming headset when I asked DSib to keep it down I get told to grow up and deal with my child to stop them disturbing DSib
  • DSib said they’re a better pet owner than me because they occasionally let my Dog into the garden while I’m working – I still walk the dog x3 a day, feed them twice a day, pick up their poop from the garden. I also care for DSibs cats; feed them, sort their litter tray, keep Dog away from them as the cats don’t like her. And I also care for my neighbours pets when they go away several times a year. But apparently DSib is better than me at pet ownership
  • I ask DSib for a small contribution to the rent/bills to be told that I am disgusting and money grabbing and if need money I need to get off my a**e and get a job – it was less than £100 a month DSib gets over £1k a month from UC and PIP. I work admittedly I freelance so only work on average 6 days per month but I al get DLA for DC, and some UC moneys not an issue for me, I never borrow it from anyone I just thought DSib should contribute
  • DSib told my ExH how awful a parent I am to DC so now I get EA via text message from him
  • DSib tried to make DC feel bad because they have an adapted bathroom off their room according to DSib the ensuite is for adults and they deserve it more than DC because they have to share a bathroom with me
  • I have a basket in the main bathroom next to my toilet with period products, toilet paper and other bathroom products in for anyone to help themselves to if needed – Dsib moved all my period products out of the bathroom and told me to keep “those things hidden in a bag or something that’s not gross”
  • Threatened to get my elderly neighbours evicted when they had a BBQ with their DC and GC – apparently it stinks and they were too noisy – it was 6pm on a Saturday night last summer, they were inside by 9pm and they invited my DC to go over and play with their GC (and offered them some food off the BBQ to)
  • Same neighbours dog got into my garden, did it’s business and then ran back into it’s own home. Neighbours offered to clear it up but I did it, these things happen, it could have been my dog who got into their garden – Dsib says the dog is awfully behaved and they should lose it when they get evicted – it’s a small breed dog; shitzh zhu (sp?) and gets on well with both my DC and my dog, I’ve never heard their dog so much as bark when someone knocks their door, they wouldn’t let a vicious/badly behaved dog around their own GC

I could go on, but I’ve been threatened, told I’m disgusting and everything else when I told DSib to move out at the beginning of the year. Apparently I have it so easy and need to wake up to the realities of life. DSib can’t possibly live in a HMO according to my parents which is what they were offered before they moved in with me.

So in March I contacted my housing association for advice. They’re offered me a bungalow closer to DCs school, similar layout to ours and includes the adapted bathroom DC has now but it’s only 2 beds. The family currently in that bungalow have a child at a school closer to my current place, so we’re basically swapping.

I’m all packed, just waiting for the HAs van to arrive to take my stuff (I’ve paid extra for this). I’ve bought myself a new bed so DSib can have the one they currently sleep in. DC goes to their dad tonight for 2 nights so I have time to get it all ready for DC to come back on Sunday.

DSib is being evicted today, they’ll offer a HMO again (under 35 so can’t offer a 1 bed flat apparently), my name will be mud in my family, but I’m past caring although slightly worried.

It’ll be ok won’t it?

look after yourself. And don't worry. You will start to feel better. Good luck xxx

PickAChew · 11/04/2025 15:56

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

They both have 1 beds (yeah parents aren't even together!)

Well one of them can do what they expect you to do and sleep on the sofa.

Wishyouwerehere50 · 11/04/2025 15:57

Wow. Well done. This is so brave and so right.

Don't ever let him back in. Although he has issues,he needs support, you are not the one to provide it in this life.

You're part of a toxic dysfunctional family system and as you realise, courageously so, your protection, and self love before everything is the priority. Physical and emotional distance from them all is the only way.

The further out your life all of them are the better. They will not ever treat you the way you deserve.

He is not your problem.

TopNarcTip · 11/04/2025 15:59

go! Be free! Totally right decision. Do t look back.

Apreslapluielesoleil · 11/04/2025 16:00

It’s 100% ok. Well done for taking the steps to get your life back. That takes a lot of courage.
There’ll be a period of adjustment where you might question what you did, feel guilty for feeling relieved perhaps but that’s all normal and part of processing what is happening. Just keeping telling yourself you’ve made the right choice for you and your child.

Good luck in your new home. 💐

Pearl69 · 11/04/2025 16:03

Well done OP. You’ve had so much thrown at you but here you are. Moving into a lovely new home and putting you and your DC first. Wishing you a very happy future.

Proudofthem · 11/04/2025 16:05

Have I read this thread wrong.
Is the OP swapping with another family.
In which case the other family will have no idea that the brother
is still in the property. And they can't get access.
Apologies if I've got the wrong end of the story.

Justkeepingplatesspinning · 11/04/2025 16:05

Your family sound like a complete horror show. It's good that you have the housing association in your corner, it doesn't sound like you have many other people.
Hopefully you've got everything out, left your sibling to it, and you and your wee one are able to get settled into your new home.
Make sure you're secure, I'd get a door chain, video doorbell, get the address flagged with the police so they respond quickly if you phone (if your sibling turns up and refuses to leave, for example).
As others have said, you need to cut your toxic family - parents and sibling - out of your life. That's hard though, been there!
It's no wonder you ended up with an abusive ex, given the role models you've had. Time to change the narrative, for your child's sake if not for yours too.
Look to get some counselling, possibly intervention for possible PTSD, and do the Freedom programme via women's aid.
Good luck!

CaptainFuture · 11/04/2025 16:06

ChickenBananas · 11/04/2025 15:24

This would be the case if he was a tenant. He isn't. He's essentially a stranger randomly inside a house.

This, otherwise what's to stop anyone invited to someone's house for a coffee/meal/party refusing to leave and needing to be evicted by the courts?!

StrangerThings1 · 11/04/2025 16:06

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:08

I live in a HA bungalow, 2.5 beds which is adapted for my DC whose disabled. I am a single parent, split with DCs dad due to violence and control, which he continues even now we’re split.

Last year my parents persuaded me emotionally blackmailed me into letting my AuADHD DSib move in when they split with their spouse.

It’s been horrible and everytime I raise it with my parents I get emotional blackmail about how I’ve always landed on my feet and it’s only fair I share my luck. I sleep on the sofa because the small room isn’t big enough for a bed and DSib couldn’t possibly sleep on the sofa with their issues.

Examples of DBs behaviour (it’s longer than this though)

  • Told me they are a better parent to DC than I am because he actually deals with their meltdowns – DC gets told no, and I do not allow hitting, kicking or bitting during meltdowns but if DC wants to be sad/overstimulated/angry that’s allowed, they can have a shout and then go sit in their room to calm down, I find if I do anything else they get worse and are more likely to become violent but DB picks DC up and puts them in their room and tells them they can’t have anything to eat or drink until they calm down, this usually makes them worse and I get shouted at for “Not dealing with DC”
  • DC (aged 10 almost 11) gets shouted at by DSib most mornings for waking them up to early (7.30am on a school morning, 8.30am on weekends, apparently any noise before 11am is too much)
  • DSib wakes DC up in the night shouting into their gaming headset when I asked DSib to keep it down I get told to grow up and deal with my child to stop them disturbing DSib
  • DSib said they’re a better pet owner than me because they occasionally let my Dog into the garden while I’m working – I still walk the dog x3 a day, feed them twice a day, pick up their poop from the garden. I also care for DSibs cats; feed them, sort their litter tray, keep Dog away from them as the cats don’t like her. And I also care for my neighbours pets when they go away several times a year. But apparently DSib is better than me at pet ownership
  • I ask DSib for a small contribution to the rent/bills to be told that I am disgusting and money grabbing and if need money I need to get off my a**e and get a job – it was less than £100 a month DSib gets over £1k a month from UC and PIP. I work admittedly I freelance so only work on average 6 days per month but I al get DLA for DC, and some UC moneys not an issue for me, I never borrow it from anyone I just thought DSib should contribute
  • DSib told my ExH how awful a parent I am to DC so now I get EA via text message from him
  • DSib tried to make DC feel bad because they have an adapted bathroom off their room according to DSib the ensuite is for adults and they deserve it more than DC because they have to share a bathroom with me
  • I have a basket in the main bathroom next to my toilet with period products, toilet paper and other bathroom products in for anyone to help themselves to if needed – Dsib moved all my period products out of the bathroom and told me to keep “those things hidden in a bag or something that’s not gross”
  • Threatened to get my elderly neighbours evicted when they had a BBQ with their DC and GC – apparently it stinks and they were too noisy – it was 6pm on a Saturday night last summer, they were inside by 9pm and they invited my DC to go over and play with their GC (and offered them some food off the BBQ to)
  • Same neighbours dog got into my garden, did it’s business and then ran back into it’s own home. Neighbours offered to clear it up but I did it, these things happen, it could have been my dog who got into their garden – Dsib says the dog is awfully behaved and they should lose it when they get evicted – it’s a small breed dog; shitzh zhu (sp?) and gets on well with both my DC and my dog, I’ve never heard their dog so much as bark when someone knocks their door, they wouldn’t let a vicious/badly behaved dog around their own GC

I could go on, but I’ve been threatened, told I’m disgusting and everything else when I told DSib to move out at the beginning of the year. Apparently I have it so easy and need to wake up to the realities of life. DSib can’t possibly live in a HMO according to my parents which is what they were offered before they moved in with me.

So in March I contacted my housing association for advice. They’re offered me a bungalow closer to DCs school, similar layout to ours and includes the adapted bathroom DC has now but it’s only 2 beds. The family currently in that bungalow have a child at a school closer to my current place, so we’re basically swapping.

I’m all packed, just waiting for the HAs van to arrive to take my stuff (I’ve paid extra for this). I’ve bought myself a new bed so DSib can have the one they currently sleep in. DC goes to their dad tonight for 2 nights so I have time to get it all ready for DC to come back on Sunday.

DSib is being evicted today, they’ll offer a HMO again (under 35 so can’t offer a 1 bed flat apparently), my name will be mud in my family, but I’m past caring although slightly worried.

It’ll be ok won’t it?

Well done
You must be so looking forward to it just being yourself and your child living alone again
Enjoy the new home
You tried to help your brother and he abused your kindness, it’s on him, he sounds appalling

Omgblueskys · 11/04/2025 16:07

tattychicken · 11/04/2025 15:42

I'm not defending him, he is totally taking the piss. I hope he does leave. Just giving the OP a heads up it might not be as straightforward as she hopes.

www.lbhf.gov.uk/housing/council-tenants/squatters-and-unauthorised-occupants

Not op problem anymore, HA will get it sorted, there problem,

Livingbytheocean · 11/04/2025 16:10

Oh op I wish I was there with you giving you a high five. Well done you!

From now on, you do absolutely nothing for that ‘family’ of yours. It’s no, whatever they ask. They have clearly been very abusive all of your life, and your brother just continued with more of the same in your house.

You and your children deserve this fresh start, and you sound like an incredibly lovely lady and I’m so pleased the HA were so supportive and helped you move.

Your parents were simply off loading their responsibilities on to you. Disgusting when you have children that are high needs. Never look back op, only forwards now 🙏🏼

CharSiu · 11/04/2025 16:11

So many people, on MN recommend cutting off family very quickly but this is a clear cut case of you needing to.

Good luck in your new home.

Keepingthingsinteresting · 11/04/2025 16:13

Well done @MovingToday , you are doing a difficult but very brave thing today. I hope it isn’t too awful and you and relax tonight with a wine.

Zeborah · 11/04/2025 16:16

tattychicken · 11/04/2025 15:19

The HA can't evict him without an eviction warrant that would be carried out by court bailiffs, often with police in tow if they think it will get spicy.

The court process to get a possession order then warrant is lengthy, and there is a huge backlog at courts. It will take many months.

If this is a mutual exchange and he refuses to move out, the exchange won't go ahead and you will be back to square one.

But he’s not the tenant

Lucylucylucyloo · 11/04/2025 16:18

You are incredible, brave and a warrior of a mum. Well done. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this but wow, I’m in complete admiration of you x

Anon765898 · 11/04/2025 16:18

Your brother is a vile human being who has abused you both financially and mentally and your parents have not only stood by and let this happen but actively encouraged it.
Good riddance to the lot of them.
I’d not have anything to do with any of them again.
Good Luck in your new home 💐

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