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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:
MargotB · 11/04/2025 16:58

'DSib' made me smile. There's nothing 'dear' about him. He's an arsehole, so are the parents.

NC is the way forward.

Rubberducksallround · 11/04/2025 17:00

Proud of you for doing this OP.
Hope the new place quickly feels like home, and the safe haven you deserve it to be ❤️
Family is not supposed to be a stick to beat you with, it's supposed to be a scaffold to prop you up when needed. True family wouldn't treat you like this.
Congratulations on your new home x

Baystar · 11/04/2025 17:03

I just wanted to say... Enjoy a fresh start and I hope you have lots of happiness in your new home with your dc, u have 💯 done the right thing, best of luck with the move xx

lizzyBennet08 · 11/04/2025 17:05

Honestly op. This is a whole
new start for you and your child. I wouldn’t feel one bit guilty . No one should have to put up other that from anyone.
id love to be a fly on the wall when the penny drops with him that you are gone .

MindTheAbyss · 11/04/2025 17:08

A massive well done for sorting this out, OP! I hope you and your kiddo love your new home and your fresh start 💐

WearyAuldWumman · 11/04/2025 17:12

I'm applauding you for standing up for yourself OP. Well done!

I'm sorry that your family members have been taking advantage of you.

Mirabai · 11/04/2025 17:16

ChickenBananas · 11/04/2025 15:39

The police will remove him if required he has zero right to be there.

I’d be surprised if they didn’t need a court order.

I wonder why they suggested a house swap to OP not steps to evict him as an unauthorised occupant. Seems very odd particularly now the children will have to share a bedroom.

She’s effectively evicting him anyway, why not evict him and stay put.

Blinkyy · 11/04/2025 17:18

Don’t assume life will be bad for DSib -who knows what might happen, he might find friends in his next accommodation,he might meet the love of his life next week, it’s not necessarily a disaster. It wasn’t working when he lived with you and DS so hopefully he’ll get sorted out soon.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 11/04/2025 17:18

@MovingToday OP he doesnt even need to know where you are going! i wouldnt tell any of the family!!

Thefunnel · 11/04/2025 17:21

Oh my goodness. Well done and good luck in your new home. My fingers are crossed for you.

WilfredsPies · 11/04/2025 17:21

This is fantastic and I’m so incredibly pleased for you; you’re definitely doing the right thing. He’s abusive and it sounds like your parents are too. Don’t tell him where you’re going and don’t let him in. If he manages to get over the door, call the police and have him removed.

But I don’t understand the practicalities of it. What’s going to happen if you’re swapping with another family? You’ll both pack your belongings up and leave your respective homes. You’ll get to theirs and start unpacking. They’ll get to yours and find your brother in the kitchen making himself beans on toast. Will the HA be turning up on the day to tell him to leave immediately before the other family get there? Have they confirmed to you that they’ll deal with him and it’s not your responsibility to convince him to move out? Or are they thinking that he can be convinced to accept the HMO room before moving day?

LivelyHare · 11/04/2025 17:25

Stand your ground, girl. You are doing the right thing and your life is about to improve so much!

WhatMe123 · 11/04/2025 17:27

Well done you op 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

WiddlinDiddlin · 11/04/2025 17:28

'D'Sib can just be removed by the police.

At most, he's a lodger - he isn't a squatter because he was originally there with permission (that he got that permission by being abusive is not relevant) so doesn't have squatters rights.

He isn't a tenant, so does not need the full legal process to evict a tenant.

So he could be removed by police or security or bailiffs.

mnahmnah · 11/04/2025 17:34

Well done! So many people can’t find the strength to make a change like this with problematic families. Hope it has gone smoothly.

EveryFlavourJellyBeans · 11/04/2025 17:35

Hope it has gone well for you and you're all settled into your new place. Well done for standing up for yourself and your DC.

PrioritisePleasure24 · 11/04/2025 17:38

Your sibling is not your responsibility. He also sounds hideous and abusive to you both. Your parents don’t seem to want to help him themselves and yet they guilt trip you. They may only have 1 bed but you gave up a bedroom so they could too!

You have your own caring responsibilities. Your child is your priority here and well done for doing all you have done to get out of the situation. Good luck in your new home.

If family cannot understand and support you they aren’t worth having in your life.

NeedToAskPlease · 11/04/2025 17:41

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:26

If he does, I'm not letting him in. I don't have to, he's not named on my tenancy.

Will you be emotionally strong enough not too let him in?

My concern is that you haven't made him leave this current property when you could have as he had no right to reside there.... so what is different about this new one?

Mrsbloggz · 11/04/2025 17:43

Well done for standing up for yourself OP🥇
Your name isnt mud, your name is steel, or Kevlar, or whatever it is they make bullet proof vests out of!

Jimmyneutronsforehead · 11/04/2025 17:46

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:25

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

He's their responsibility so one of them should upsize and house their child. Well done op.

Hollietree · 11/04/2025 17:47

It will absolutely be ok from now on in. In fact I think you are an absolute legend. Your son is number 1 and he will love you so much and be so grateful to you one day when he is older and understands all you have done for him. You showed him that women should not stand for an abusive partner and you have once again shown him how to stand up to a bully and not put up with being abused or taken advantage of.

From a person who had parents who didn’t keep me safe as a child….. I say thank you on behalf of your son 🥇

Iamnotalemming · 11/04/2025 17:52

Well done OP. It's the right decision. I wish you strength 💪

Enthusiasticcarrotgrower · 11/04/2025 17:55

MovingToday · 11/04/2025 14:20

I'm used to losing everything and having to start again, never get too attached

Ridiculous to say you “always land on your feet” with everything you’ve been through.

Billionthtimeivenamechanged2025 · 11/04/2025 17:57

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?

It will be okay and you'll feel so much better having your space to yourself

Well done, I hope your genuinely really proud of yourself because it sounds a really tough situation to have been in

I hope your new home is lovely and peaceful for you and your children Flowers

Mumof2amazingasdkiddos · 11/04/2025 17:59

Jesus girl this is nuts! Will you be ok? No mate you'll be more than OK! You'll be bleeding fabulous and able to breathe without that wee scroat. Get yourself a lovely bottle of wine/chocolate/bath stuff/whatever your luxury treat is and celebrate your freedom whilst creating a beautiful home ready for DC to come back to on Sunday. You got this now go block the D(ickhead)Sibling and your D(ickhead)Parents, you don't owe them anything. Good luck in your new home and enjoy your freedom