AITA My boyfriend covered for me during unemployment but now wants me to pay him back

For backstory purposes, me (32) and my boyfriend (29) have been together for almost 3 three years. I moved in with him in August of 2024, into a house that HE OWNS. We agreed on me paying $500 a month for rent, which goes towards utilities as well. I also cover a lot of the grocery expense, while he covers dining out, and I'd say for the most part its pretty even.

In May of 2025, I was very unexpectedly laid off. I did receive a decent severance and at that time I paid him for June, July and August rent. I thought it would make me feel better to not worry about contributing while I searched for a job. I applied for hundreds of jobs. I was up at nights crying over the fact I could not find anything. This was the only time in my adult life that I did not have a job, and the only time I've been let go. It was a very stressful period of my life. I would like to add that during this time, I did not ask him for any money outside of not contributing our agreed upon rent. I did not borrow anything from him to make ends meet.

Fast forward to now, November 2025. I have found a new position (I started two weeks ago) and while it's a great opportunity, with a lot of potential, it is a big pay cut. I am also behind on several things and really need to focus on getting caught up. I told him I should be able to pay him December rent like normal and he then asked when I'd be paying him for September, October and November?

In my eyes, he had me while I was down because this is a partnership and we need to lean one another and not 'keep score' so to speak. He also is fully capable of covering all the bills himself, as he did before I even moved in. I would not say this has put a financial strain on him by any means. If roles were reversed, I would not expect any back payment. I didn't say much when he said that because I was so genuinely shocked. Am I being unreasonable? Should I make a plan to pay him back?