AITA for refusing to do my neighbours chores, just because I did it for someone else?

In a cozy apartment building, where trash cans roll out like clockwork, one resident’s kindness sparked an unexpected feud. For years, they took on extra trash duties to help an elderly, wheelchair-bound neighbor, a small act that warmed the heart. But when a young family moved in, expecting the same favor without lifting a finger, the goodwill soured. Maggots in unwashed bins and a slammed door later, the air grew thick with tension.

Now, neighbors who once swapped smiles are giving the cold shoulder, blaming the resident for the mess—literally and figuratively. The resident, backed by their partner, stood firm, refusing to be a pushover. But as the building’s friendly vibe fades, they wonder if their stand was too harsh. Was it wrong to draw a line, or were the neighbors out of bounds expecting free labor?

‘AITA for refusing to do my neighbours chores, just because I did it for someone else?’

Kindness can be a double-edged sword, and this resident’s saga proves it. Helping a disabled neighbor was noble, but the new family’s assumption that it’s now “common law” reeks of entitlement. Their neglect—leaving maggots to fester—shows disrespect not just for the resident but for the whole building. The other neighbors’ pressure to “keep the peace” unfairly shifts the burden onto the one who already went above and beyond.

This taps into a broader issue: the expectation of unpaid labor in communal settings. A 2021 study by the American Psychological Association found 62% of people feel pressured to overextend in group dynamics, risking burnout (source). Here, the resident’s generosity was exploited, not reciprocated.

Psychologist Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne writes, “Boundaries are essential to prevent kindness from becoming obligation” (source). The resident’s firm stance was a healthy response, but the neighbors’ coldness suggests a need for clearer communication. They could contact the landlord to enforce rules or share a polite note explaining their position.

For solutions, the resident should hold firm, report the issue to the landlord, and consider a friendly gesture—like a note with baked goods—to clarify intentions without caving.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit didn’t mince words, dishing out support with a side of indignation. Here’s a taste of their colorful takes, from cheers for standing firm to calls for landlord action:

These Redditors are fired up, but do their rants clear the air, or just add more trash to the pile? What’s the best way to keep the peace without being a doormat?

This trashy tale shows how quickly kindness can be mistaken for obligation. The resident’s refusal to play janitor for an entitled family was bold, but the neighborly chill stings. Should they mend fences or hold the line? Contacting the landlord seems like the next step, but rebuilding the building’s vibe will take tact. What would you do if your good deeds turned into demands? Share your thoughts below!