AITA for Locking Roommates Door Over Unpaid Rent?
AITA for locking my roommate's room over unpaid rent? Opinions are divided on this controversial move, with some siding with tough love and others condemning the invasion of privacy.
In the world of shared living spaces, navigating the delicate balance of friendship and responsibility can be challenging. One Reddit user, a 28-year-old man living with his college friend Alex, finds himself caught in a frustrating situation that has sparked a heated debate online.
Their two-year roommate arrangement has taken a turn, as Alex has faced financial difficulties due to the pandemic, leading to missed rent payments and mounting tension. While the original poster has been understanding and accommodating of Alex's struggles, the situation escalated when he discovered that Alex had been spending money on luxury items instead of prioritizing their rent obligations.
In a moment of frustration, he decided to lock Alex's door, leaving a note that access would only be granted once he paid his share. This drastic measure has raised eyebrows, igniting a discussion about boundaries, personal responsibility, and the best ways to address conflicts in a living situation.
As the community weighs in on whether the original poster's actions were justified or an overstep, it raises important questions about communication, financial accountability, and the complexities of friendship under pressure. What do you think—did he cross a line, or was tough love the right call?
Original Post
So I'm (28M) currently living with my college friend, let's call him Alex. We've been roommates for the past two years without any major issues until recently.
Quick context: Alex lost his job due to the pandemic and has been struggling financially. We agreed to split the rent and bills equally when we moved in.
For the past three months, Alex has been falling behind on his share of the rent, citing financial difficulties. I've been understanding and let it slide, covering for him, except it's become a pattern.
He's been spending money on non-essential items like designer clothes and new gadgets while avoiding rent conversations. Last week, I found out he used his rent money for a new gaming console and refused to contribute to bills.
Fed up with his excuses, I decided to take action. The day before rent was due, I locked Alex's door with a padlock and left a note stating he can only access his room once he pays his portion of the rent.
Alex flipped out when he came back and demanded I remove the lock, calling me an AH for violating his privacy. He found the spare key and unlocked the door, but now he's refusing to talk to me.
I thought this would push him to prioritize bills, but I might have crossed a line. So AITA?
Comment from u/rainbow_unicorn4ever
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What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments.
