In a recent post on the AITA (“Am I the A-hole”) subreddit, a Reddit user going by the username “Independent-Box-44” shared their story of locking out their parents and pregnant sister from their home. The post received overwhelming support from other Reddit users, who claimed that Independent-Box-44 did nothing wrong in restricting access to their living areas and refusing to babyproof the house.
According to the post, Independent-Box-44’s parents live in an in-law suite in their house and pay rent to assist with the mortgage. This arrangement was working well until their older sister got pregnant and was abandoned by the baby’s father. The parents allowed the sister to move in without consulting Independent-Box-44, which led to tensions rising.
The issue arose when the parents and sister requested that Independent-Box-44 babyproof the house. However, since the parents have full run of the house except for Independent-Box-44’s bedroom and office, it seemed unnecessary to comply with their request. Independent-Box-44 suggested that there were other areas, such as the yard and sunroom, where they could spend time.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the pregnant sister wanted to babysit other children as a side business. Independent-Box-44 raised concerns about insurance and stated that they had not agreed to let their house be used as a daycare center. Frustrated by the situation, Independent-Box-44 decided to take back the keys to their living area and change the locks.
The decision caused a split between Independent-Box-44 and their parents. While the father understood the reasoning behind it, the mother was upset. Independent-Box-44 allowed the father to keep a key to the garage but restricted access to the main home.
Legal expert Derek Jacques explained that as the owner of the house, Independent-Box-44 has the right to set rules and living arrangements. In a landlord-tenant relationship, landlords can establish guidelines for visitors and occupants. Jacques confirmed that Independent-Box-44 is entitled to not allow anyone into their home for any reason.
The Reddit community largely supported Independent-Box-44’s decision, with many labeling them as “NTA” (Not the A-hole). However, some users warned that the situation could escalate and advised Independent-Box-44 to reconsider the arrangement. They suggested that the parents and sister may end up taking over their space, making it difficult to rectify the situation in the future.
Some Reddit users even applauded Independent-Box-44 for inadvertently babyproofing their living areas by blocking them off. However, others advised seeking legal advice in case eviction became necessary in the future.
Overall, the story shared by Independent-Box-44 has sparked a lively discussion on Reddit, with many users expressing support for their actions. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of setting boundaries and asserting ownership over personal space, even within family dynamics.
