My (21F) roommate (23M) lost his job last month and asked if I could cover his rent “just for a bit.” I make more money than him, but I worked hard for it and budget carefully.
I told him no and suggested he move back in with his parents or sell some of his stuff. He said I lack empathy and that friends should help each other in hard times.
Now some mutual friends are calling me selfish and saying I should help because I can afford it.
I don’t think someone else’s poor planning is my responsibility. AITA?
NTA. You aren’t his wife, girlfriend, or mommy. To be fair, I don’t think it’s bad that he asked, but he should respect your decision and start looking for alternative places to live.
Is he on the lease with you? If so, tell your landlord that you will be paying your portion of the rent only so that you aren’t stuck with the entire thing bc your roommate might try to dig in his heels and refuse to leave on the hope that you’ll just be forced to pay it all anyway.
NTA, it’s not your responsibility and it sounds like you are not really that close.
NTA. I wouldn’t trust this guy to pay you back. Regardless, you don’t owe this to him
Well if his parents are around they can help him. Not your problem. Plus maybe the mutual friends can help him out
NTA. I really only needed to read the 1st sentence to know you’re NTA. It’s not your responsibility. Loaning friends money never ever ends well. It will ruin a friendship, cause resentment, etc. He’s not your husband, not you child, not your responsibility!!!! Does he not get am unemployment check while he’s looking for another job ???
Whose name is on the lease? Talk to your landlord
NTA. I don’t think it was wrong of him to ask while trying to figure out options, but he should have taken your answer and made no big deal about it. It’s not your job to pay for his rent
Nta. He didn’t loose his job on purpose I imagine. But that doesn’t mean you should cover his rent. I don’t understand why other people would expect you too. Were you harsh in denying his ask?
Unless you’re his partner of years or his family, I don’t get why he asked. But asking is free. As is saying no.
“Now some mutual friends are calling me selfish ” .. tell them: pay up, or shut up. THEY can cover his rent if they think that’s reasonable. No need for YOU to do it.
NTA you’re not his mother, his wife, or a bank . Its not your responsibility and if your mutual friends say any more , tell them to pool their money and help him out. I bet they won’t be nearly as generous with their own money .
You are correct. Someone else’s poor planning is not your responsibility. Stand firm.
Sounds like we need a go fund me so all these opinionated people can put up or shut up.
NTA because he won’t just need rent money. He’ll need groceries, etc. And it could be months before he find another job.
Tell everyone saying that you should cover his rent to cover it themselves. NTA