Parents sell house and move in with 32-year-old son without warning, get offended when he wants to charge them $800 rent: 'They've made zero effort to find a place'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Mar 29, 2026 9:00 PM EDT

There are certain parents whose favorite thing to do with their adult children is freeload.

The way they see it, one of the main pros of raising a functional, semi-successful grown-up is that they get to sponge off of them whenever they feel it is appropriate. The mere fact that they seem to be doing well invites the opportunity.

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    via No Revisions

    An out of focus man looks at his phone while sitting on a couch, a switched on diffuser on a coffee table in front of him

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  • Of course, it is important for adult kids to help their parents out if they end up in a difficult situation where they need assistance. While this can sometimes prove a controversial topic, it is something that a lot of people would do for their mom and dad without a second thought. However, there is a difference between providing support and being blatantly used. The way that some types of parents behave falls into the latter category.

    Even when they have their independence, it can sometimes be hard for kids to stand up to their parents when they take things too far. It requires a strong will and the willingness to disappoint. The thing is that certain scenarios can get to a point where they are left feeling like they don't have a choice. Action of some kind has to be taken.

  • Am I wrong for charging my parents rent after they moved in without asking?

    My parents (both 58) sold there house 3 months ago. They said they were downsizing to a apartment.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • Except they never got the apartment. Instead they showed up at MY house (I'm 32M) with all there stuff and said they're "staying temporarily" while they look for a place.
    via Leather_Patient4649

  • One man was shocked at how his parents had behaved after they sold their house, with the reasoning that they were going to downsize to an apartment. Instead, they turned up on his doorstep unannounced, and he initially agreed that they could stay for a few weeks.

    These weeks turned into several months, and his parents showed no signs of wanting to find their own place. He decided that it was time to start charging them rent, which was not something they were happy about. Other family members thought he was being harsh, but he wanted a second opinion.

  • I was shocked but said okay for a few weeks. That was 3 months ago. They've made zero effort to find a place.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • They're completely settled in. They've taken over my spare bedroom and my home office. I'm working from my bedroom now.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • They rearranged my kitchen. My dad watches TV in my living room all day. I asked when they're planning to move and my mom said "We're looking but nothing feels right yet." I told them they need to start paying rent - $800/month which is way below market rate.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • They were OFFENDED. My dad said "You're going to charge your own parents rent?" I said they're living in my house, using my utilities, eating my food.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • Yes, they should contribute. My mom started crying about how they raised me and this is how I repay them.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • That family doesn't charge family. I said family also doesn't move in uninvited and refuse to leave.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • They said they're hurt that I see them as a burden. I'm standing firm on the rent.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • They haven't paid yet and its been 2 weeks since I asked. My siblings are calling me greedy and heartless for charging our parents.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • But they have money from selling there house! They can afford to contribute! TL;DR: Parents moved into my house without real permission 3 months ago, I'm charging rent, they say family doesn't charge family.
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • An older man and woman cuddle together on a couch, the woman taking popcorn from a bowl on the man's lap
    via Phillip Goldsberry

    An older man and woman cuddle together on a couch, the woman taking popcorn from a bowl on the man's lap

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  • Sassy-Peanut Definitely call your siblings and tell them to come and fetch them - their stuff will be on the landing waiting! You're not being mean - since family helps family, it's their turn.
    via Sassy-Peanut
  • Leather_Patient4649 Original Poster's Reply Agreed. That's how I feel.. everyone keeps saying family helps family but somehow that only applies to me right me right now and not anywome eless...
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • LadyM80 Sounds like your siblings volunteered to take your parents in. NTJ.
    via LadyM80
  • Leather_Patient4649 Original Poster's Reply That came to my mijnd. If they strongly feel about it, theyre more than welcom to step in ane help instead of criticizing me
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • Investigator516 Tell them you are selling the house. Then do it.
    via Investigator516
  • Leather_Patient4649 Original Poster's Reply To be honest, im thinking about that.. it's easy for them to call me heartless when they're not the ones having their space taken over..
    via Leather_Patient4649
  • FairyPetal12 lol honestly tho, funny how "family helps family" only applies when it's OP doing the helping. if the siblings feel that strongly, they can absolutely step up and take them in
    via FairyPetal12
  • Teamtunafish NTJ. They're living there, uninvited. They owe you rent, utilities, and food. Fair is fair.
    via Teamtunafish
  • Majestic-Window-318 I wonder if their house was foreclosed on and they have no money. Sounds like your dad doesn't work. Serve them formal written notice to get out. Then evict legally. Check your local eviction notice requirements. Don't allow them to stay and pay rent. It's not worth it. They are squatting, since you demanded payment and they failed to render it.
    via Majestic-Window-318
  • Dismal_Upstairs3949 Tell them to go live with your siblings.
    via Dismal_Upstairs3949
  • BlazingSunflowerland You will have to give them an eviction notice. Ask your siblings which one wants to come and get them. You seem to be their retirement plan. They likely sold the house because they had to pay off debt.
    via BlazingSunflowerland
  • AxiomEgirlX I mean... they're not wrong If 'family helps family,' then it shouldn't all fall on OP. The siblings can absolutely step in and take a turn hosting instead of just criticizing from a distance.
    via AxiomEgirlx
  • Big Truck_8268 Oh H L NO. A week or two maybe, but to quote my dad "my house, my rules"
    via Big_Truck_8268

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family drama entitled parents house rent family son parents
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