Should My Husband Expect My Mom to Pay Rent to Live With Us?

After Dad recently passed away, Mom has been feeling so sad and lonely. To help her feel less alone, I suggested she come live with us and be close to her grandkids.

At first, my husband refused, then agreed—on one condition: that she pays us rent. I was shocked. We own our house outright, so it just didn’t feel right to ask her for money.

When I questioned him, he said, “Your mom will never leave if she moves in. She’ll use our resources without contributing, and this house isn’t a hotel.”

I felt hurt. Both of us worked hard to buy this home together, and I have every right to welcome my mom if she needs me. Asking her to pay rent just feels wrong, especially now.

I have to be fair, though—my husband isn’t a bad person. He and my mom have just never really gotten along. He recently opened up to me, saying, “She’s disliked me since we met. I wouldn’t feel comfortable living under the same roof.”

Now, I’m torn between helping my mom in her time of need and keeping peace in my marriage. I want to support her, but I also need to respect my husband’s feelings. How do I find a balance that honors them both?