AITA for having the power to my apartment disconnected after being asked to leave?

A fiery argument with his roommate’s mother pushed a young adult to leave the apartment where they covered most of the bills. After being told to “leave now,” they packed up, moved out, and canceled the electricity, leaving the apartment facing a power shutoff. But were they wrong for not warning their former roommates?

This story explores the tension when kindness is exploited and the cost of setting boundaries. Was the decision to cut the power without notice justified, or did it go too far? Let’s unravel this roommate drama to see who’s in the right.

‘AITA for having the power to my apartment disconnected after being asked to leave?’

The young adult covered most of the apartment’s expenses while their roommate and her mother contributed little.

18 months ago I moved into my best friends apartment because she was struggling to pay rent. Having a pretty good income I payed the majority of the bills including...

I was paying roughly 1800 per month while she was paying $500 per month. 10 months ago my roommates mother moved in with us and the financials didn't change. I...

Conflict erupted when the roommate’s new boyfriend was set to visit.

My roommate met a guy about a month ago (From the other side of the country) and this week they had planned on him coming to stay with us for...

24 hours before he was set to arrive her mother started an argument with me (Her mother is irrational and rude) after a bit of attempting to appease her, and...

The roommate’s mother escalated things by involving the police.

2 hours later THE POLICE SHOWED UP TO MY PARENTS HOUSE to speak to me about the happenings of the night. Her mom claimed that I made her "Feel scared"...

The police told me I don't need them there to retrive my stuff and if they try to block me from getting my stuff to call them. Last night I...

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The decision to cancel the power sparked the main conflict.

Today I called the electric company to have them cancel my electric as I no longer live there. The electric company let me know that they will be shutting off...

and reminded me that if the pipes weren't full of antifreeze that they might burst.. AITA for not giving my roommates a heads up that they will be shutting off...

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Edit for clarity  I am not on the lease

Canceling the electricity after being asked to leave raises questions about responsibility and consequences in shared living arrangements.

The young adult was generous, covering most expenses, but the roommate’s mother’s disrespect, including a false police report, suggests they were taken advantage of. Psychologist John Gottman notes, “Unfair financial burdens and poor communication can erode trust” (The Science of Trust).

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However, not warning about the power shutoff could lead to serious consequences, like burst pipes, impacting the landlord. Since they’re not on the lease, the young adult should notify the landlord or roommates to avoid legal liability.

They should formally inform the landlord of their move-out and cancel all utilities in their name (electricity, internet, etc.). A direct conversation with the roommate about future responsibilities could prevent similar conflicts. Focusing on protecting their interests while acting fairly is key.

Check out how the community responded:

Social media users largely backed the young adult, arguing they had no obligation to keep paying after being kicked out, but urged notifying the landlord.

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Many felt the roommate and her mother exploited the young adult’s kindness.

Zutthole − NTA. You're not obligated to pay for anyone's power. Plus, her mom filed a false police report in order to try and get you arrested—I think the leniency...

fonziesgrl − 100% NTA. . what a bunch of moochers. You were asked to leave therefore you’re no longer responsible for the utilities and such. Don’t forget to cancel the...

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mycatsitslikeppl − NTA Don’t forget to cancel the Internet. You may have to go back for the router, depends on the company.

A_Jazz458 − Nta, they sound awful. But you need to get off that lease if you are on it, like yesterday.

Users recommended informing the landlord to avoid legal issues.

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Dizzy_Emotion7381 − NTA. But you need to tell the landlord so that he can tell them. Let him know that you moved all of your belongings out of the apartment...

[Reddit User] − NTA - they FAFO - however frozen pipes will wreck the place and the property owner will be screwed so you might want to tell them.

[Reddit User] − NTA. But do do the right thing and give them a heads up to put it in their name, for the sake of the landlord, if not...

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Some highlighted the unfair financial split.

newprairiegirl − NTA, but how do you figure that you paying 1800 a month and her paying 500 a month is half? You were being used.

As far as her momma goes, that is a case of f__k around and find out. Contact the landlord to give them the heads up, they shouldn't have to incur...

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medium_buffalo_wings − INFO: Are they somehow under the impression that you will be continuing to pay the bills now that you no longer live there?

One user suggested seeking legal advice.

tiredandshort − are you on the lease in any way? this could equally f__k you over. i would post on legal advice

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The community agreed the young adult was justified in canceling the electricity but urged notifying the landlord or roommates to avoid legal trouble and protect the property owner.

Kindness shouldn’t be exploited, and setting boundaries is crucial in shared living. However, actions that could harm others, like the landlord, should be handled with care to avoid unintended consequences.

Have you ever felt taken advantage of in a shared living situation? How would you handle being asked to leave while covering most bills? Share your experiences below!

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