Woman Wants to Evict Annoying Mother-in-Law for Not Paying Rent

The concept of blending family and business is a delicate balance, fraught with potential pitfalls.

One new homeowner is feeling the weight of that, as her mother-in-law’s delayed rental payments and unusual compensation suggestions threaten the harmony of both her home and her marriage, and an expert talked to Newsweek about the ramifications of the mother-in-law’s actions.

A Reddit user, who recently purchased a multi-unit building with her husband, expressed her growing frustration.

On paper, it seemed a win-win; she and her husband occupied one unit, while his mother took up residence in another. The husband vouched for his mother’s reputation as a responsible tenant, but reality quickly deviated from expectations.

Since moving in, the mother-in-law has been inconsistent with her rent payments, even suggesting offbeat alternatives for covering her rent. “She mentioned to me before that she wanted her rent to be in the form of her cleaning up our apartment…which left me in shock,” the Redditor shared. The homeowner’s anxiety further escalated when she discovered that her mother-in-law had been without a job during her entire stay—a detail her husband was allegedly unaware of.

“Almost everything she does annoys me at this point and I’ve honestly avoided interacting with her because of it,” she said.

With financial pressures mounting, the idea of renting out an extra room in their apartment has become increasingly attractive. Yet, her husband’s resistance to this proposal further complicates matters.

“This entire situation has also caused a rift between me and my husband, as he had vouched for her to be our tenant and honestly doesn’t seem bothered by her behavior? My student loan payments are back and I have other expenses related to furthering my career,” she detailed.

Newsweek did not immediately get a response from the Reddit user in this situation.

Legal Ramifications

Most know this, but it should be noted that a lease isn’t just a piece of paper, it is a legally binding agreement. Chicagoland real-estate lawyer and broker Terrall Jordan shared comments with Newsweek, shedding light on the situation.

If the mother-in-law is breaching the terms outlined in the lease agreement, eviction might be on the table. But there’s a process, Jordan says. Before eviction can occur, the landlord typically must provide a “Notice to Pay or Quit” in many jurisdictions.

It is the type of notice that gives the tenant a window to pay overdue rent or leave the property. If not adhered to, formal eviction proceedings, which generally require a court lawsuit, can commence.

It’s not all black and white, though. Jordan also advises considering mediation before diving into litigation—especially with family ties in the mix—telling Newsweek that it could pave the way for a resolution that safeguards relationships.

The Bigger Picture

Mixing family and finances can blur boundaries, leading to emotional and financial strains that can spill over into marital relationships. The Reddit user’s dilemma brings forward the idea that open communication and mutual decision-making are essential in maintaining both familial and marital harmony.

While the financial aspects can eventually be sorted, rebuilding eroded trust is often a more arduous journey. In this case, not only is the homeowner’s financial stability in question, but her marriage’s foundation is also under strain.