Roommate changes Wi-Fi password after his roommate refused to pay his share for 3 months 'He flipped out, saying I was sabotaging his online classes.'

Author image for Emmy Pratt
Emmy Pratt • Writer and Editor
Jan 27, 2026 11:00 AM EST

Look at that! If it isn't the consequences of his own actions! 

You have to put a lot of faith and trust in your roommates. You must trust that they aren't sticking your toothbrush in the toilet every morning after you leave for work. You have to trust that they won't eat all of your groceries and pretend that they don't know anything about it when you confront them. Most importantly, you need to trust that they will pay their rent and bills in full and on time. 

In past roommate situations, we've all been responsible for paying our own portion of the rent on a rent portal, so the landlord can see exactly who has paid and how much they've paid. My current landlord wants us to Zelle him the rent in a lump sum, which has worked thus far, but could go horribly wrong if one roommate were to stop paying rent. The roommate who sends the money might be forced to use their own funds to make up the difference because they don't want their housing situation affected by one bad apple. That's the problem with having a ton of roommates: you're relying on way more people to be responsible than you would be if you only had one roommate or were living by yourself. But even having one bad roommate can make your life a living nightmare. Imagine what kind of financial pickle you'd be in if your roommate stopped paying rent and utilities for six months? You'd either have to jeopardize your living situation by not paying the rent and bills in full on your own dime, or destabilize your personal finances by draining your emergency fund and even going into debt for a roommate, of all people. 

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  • Rectangular gray corded device on black rack
    via Thomas Jensen

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • The roommate in this story hasn't paid his $40 internet bill for three months. He thinks he can get away with withholding pay for even longer, but his roommate won't let him get off that easily. He decided to change the Wi-Fi password until he pays up, much to his roommate's dismay. 

  • Am I the bad guy for locking my roommate out of the Wi-Fi after he forgot to pay for months?

    I share an apartment with one roommate. The Wi- Fi is in my name because I work from home.
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • For three months straight, he's forgotten to send his half. Each time, he promised to get me next paycheck.
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • A man holding a cell phone in his hand
    via Michael Moloney

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • Last week I reminded him again and he said, Dude it's like $40. Relax. So I changed the Wi- Fi password and told him I'd share it once he paid what he owed.
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • He flipped out, saying I was sabotaging his online classes and that I was being petty over money.
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • Black and silver laptop computer on brown wooden table
    via Gabriel Benois

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • He also said since the router is in the shared living room, I have no right to restrict access.
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • He still hasn't paid. AITJ?
    via u/Ashamed-Leopard1571
  • suugar_skin Absolutely NTJ. $40 a month is $120 he owes you. "Relax" is what people say when they have zero intention of paying. He's using you as an interest-free, guilt-tripped loan. No pay, no play. His classes are his responsibility.
    via u/suugar_skin
  • Shogun_Sensei_ Bro he should pay you money
    via u/Shogun_Sensei_
  • Naanya2779 NTJ he's taking advantage of you and mad you are forcing his hand
    via u/Naanya2779
  • ExceptionalAbs NTJ. He agreed to pay his share and then ignored it for months, locking him out isn't petty it's called enforcing boundaries and protecting your money. He can't treat shared bills like a suggestion.
    via u/ExceptionalAbs
  • Sue323464 Send him directions to the library or other public access WiFi
    via u/Sue323464
  • saatin_kiss NTA. It's "like $40" that he's been stealing from you for a quarter of a year. If it's so trivial, why can't he pay it? He's not forgetting; he's mooching. You gave him multiple chances and a direct warning. Cutting off a freeloader's Wi-Fi is a classic and effective consequence. His online classes are his responsibility, not yours. Pay up or find a coffee shop. Simple.
    via u/saatin_kiss
  • ERVetSurgeon Hold firm on this. Once he pays. Tell him he needs to get his own internet and that you will no longer share it.
    via u/ERVetSurgeon
  • Affectionate-Week594 If it's not a big deal, then it shouldn't be a big deal to PAY HIS PART, NTJ
    via u/Affectionate-Week594
  • Impressive-Union6961 NTJ. No money no wifi honey
    via u/Impressive-Union6961

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Tags

living room password petty revenge wifi paycheck roommates money entitled people
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