Ouch. She has the bigger room, doesn't help out and pays less rent? How does that add up? It's her choice which room she wants to spend most of her time in, that has nothing to do with rent. She has acess to the other rooms if she chooses. I am pretty sure she eats and uses the bathroom too.

Sounds like she is really taking advantage. She knows you will clean unless you want your child living in filth which you probably don't. So of course you will do it.

Can you afford to live on your own now? Same place or can you afford a smaller place? You are already sleeping in the living room, so if you could afford a one bedroom at least it would just be you and your daughter.

I know it's rough. I have three kids and I left my husband under abusive circumstamces. They were 2,4 & 5 then. We had to leave all our belongings behind. All I could a afford was a crappy tiny two bedroom place. I slept on the couch for 6 years. It wasn't great but like you I did not get any child support from my ex. We made it work tho and at least we had peace in our house and lives.

Is there any low income housing available or housing co-ops that you could apply for? That would be the best thing. That is what I got, long waiting list but worth it. We now have a nice 4 bedroom, nice safe neighbourhood. I can not afford rental prices where I live and this place is based on my income. It actually is lower than what I paid for the crappy 2 bedroom in a terrible un safe neighbourhood.