Supporting a loved one during a difficult time is an admirable thing to do, but it can come with hidden costs.

One young woman opened her apartment for her brother after a layoff. But when weeks went by without him holding up his end of the bargain, the apartment began to feel too small for the both of them.

Read on for the full story.

AITA FOR CHARGING MY BROTHER RENT ?

I (25F) live in a two-bedroom apartment that I pay for entirely on my own.

My older brother (32M) recently got laid off and asked if he could crash with me “just for a few weeks” until he gets back on his feet.

She said yes, but under one big condition.

I said yes, of course, but I also told him upfront that after the first two weeks, I’d need him to start contributing something to rent and utilities, even if it’s just a few hundred bucks.

Well, it’s been a month.

He hasn’t paid me anything and now acts like I’m being greedy for asking.

He says I should just help him out “as family” and that if roles were reversed, he wouldn’t charge me a dime.

But him staying there was beginning to cost her a fortune.

But the difference is he’s messy, eats my groceries, and runs the AC all day.

My bills have gone up TREMENDOUSLY since he moved in.

So she sets a stronger boundary, much to the dismay of the rest of her family.

I reminded him that I’m not a landlord—I’m a person on a budget who can’t afford to carry someone indefinitely.

He accused me of “kicking him while he’s down.”

Now my mom is telling me to be more understanding.

AITA for expecting rent from my own brother?

Helping out is starting to feel more like being taken advantage of.

What did Reddit think?

Time to put your money where your mouth is, mom!

It’s time to start flipping the script on her big bro.

Being unemployed is one thing, but taking advantage of your loved ones is another.

It’s time to give her brother a hint by any means possible.

All she asked for in return was fairness — and even that was too much.

If you thought that was an interesting story, check out what happened when a family gave their in-laws a free place to stay in exchange for babysitting, but things changed when they don’t hold up their end of the bargain.