AITA for refusing to pay my brother’s utilities after he threatened to sue me over my own storage unit?
When my brother tried to claim “rights” to my storage unit because his mail comes to my apartment — and then threatened to sue me — I drew the line. Now my parents say I’m heartless for not bailing him out on his bills.
My brother Liam (31M) lives in my parents’ second home, about an hour away from where I live while attending college. For the last couple of years, though, he’s used my apartment address as his “legal mailing address.” He said it was easier for taxes and bills. At first, I didn’t mind. But soon I was drowning in his mail—tax forms, insurance letters, and junk that had nothing to do with me. It’s been a pain, but I let it slide because he’s my brother.
Then he found out I’d rented a small basement storage unit for my art supplies — and somehow decided it was community property. He filled most of it with his boxes, and when I told him to clear it out, he threatened to sue me for touching “his” stuff.
I’d rented the 5x7 storage unit myself, paying $60 a month to keep my art supplies safe. Liam decided that since his mail came to my address, he “technically” had shared access to anything connected to it — including my lease and my basement storage. I told him to remove his things within two weeks, giving him fair warning. He ignored me completely. When I followed up, he snapped that I had “no right to evict” his property and said if I touched anything, he’d sue me. I honestly thought he was joking until I saw how serious he was.
“Since my mail goes there, I have rights to your storage too. Touch my boxes, and I’ll sue.”
Fast-forward a few weeks — my parents call. Turns out Liam hasn’t paid utilities at the house for three months. They ask me to “help him out” and cover the $700 bill. When I refused, my mom called me selfish. Liam called soon after, expecting me to cave. I told him point blank, “You threatened to sue me over a storage unit. I’m not paying your bills.” He hung up, and now my parents say I’m “punishing” him over a misunderstanding.
“You threatened to sue me over my own storage. Why should I pay for your electricity?”
I’m being labeled “heartless” for letting him “freeze” in winter, but he’s a grown man living rent-free in a house our parents own. Meanwhile, I’m juggling tuition, rent, and an art program that barely gives me time to sleep. I don’t think I owe him another dime.
🏠 The Aftermath
Liam still hasn’t apologized. My parents ended up covering part of the utility bill themselves, and now they’re “disappointed” in both of us for “dragging family into petty disputes.”
I’ve since boxed up all of Liam’s junk from my storage unit and told him to pick it up or it’s getting trashed. He hasn’t come yet — but I changed the lock anyway.
He still uses my address for mail, but I’ve started marking everything “Return to Sender.” Maybe it’s time he learns what adult responsibility actually means.
If you threaten to sue your sibling over imaginary “rights,” don’t expect them to pay your real bills.
I’m tired of playing both storage clerk and banker. Love doesn’t mean letting family walk all over you.
💭 Emotional Reflection
This situation isn’t about money or storage — it’s about boundaries. My brother’s been coasting on other people’s goodwill for years, and when I stopped enabling him, he lashed out. The “lawsuit threat” was just another way to control me.
My parents still see him as someone who just “needs help,” but helping someone who refuses accountability isn’t kindness — it’s enabling. I’ve worked hard for my independence, and I’m not letting guilt drag me backward.
Reasonable people can disagree, but respect isn’t negotiable. Family or not, if you threaten me over nonsense, don’t expect a favor afterward.
Here’s what Reddit might say:
NTA — He’s 31, not 13. If he can draft a fake lawsuit over a storage unit, he can pay his own bills.
NTA — Mark his mail as “Return to Sender” and cut contact. You’re not a free storage service or an ATM.
ESH — Your parents need to stop taking sides. He’s manipulative, but family guilt trips only keep the drama alive.
The overwhelming view: your brother’s entitled behavior crossed every line. Most readers agree — setting boundaries isn’t cruelty, it’s self-respect.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Family loyalty doesn’t mean funding bad behavior. Sometimes the healthiest love is distance and a locked storage unit.
If someone threatens you over boundaries, the answer isn’t compromise — it’s consequence.
What do you think?
Would you have paid the utilities anyway or drawn the same line? Share your thoughts below 👇
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