Michael Rotondo Talks Returning to His Parents' Home After Eviction: 'It Was Awkward'

The case sheds new light on "Failure to Launch" syndrome.

The 30-year-old man who has been evicted from his parents' home says things got pretty tense Tuesday night after a judge ruled against him during a court appearance. 

"We don't really talk or communicate,” Michael Rotondo told Inside Edition of his parents, Christina and Mark Rotondo. 

He said he and his parents usually try to avoid each other. 

The uncomfortable scene came after a judge ruled in favor of the parents, saying Rotondo has to move out of the Syracuse, N.Y. home. 

He described the judge's ruling as "an attack." 

The house is modest with 1,920 square feet with four bedrooms. Rotondo says it is difficult avoiding contact with his folks. 

"We would only be in the kitchen at the same time to get our food and go someplace else," he said. 

The eviction of a grown man whose parents say they've had enough of his freeloading ways is making headlines across the country.

The so-called "Failure to Launch" syndrome, popularized by the Matthew McConaughey film about a guy living comfortably in his parents' home, is a growing phenomenon.

According to studies, one in three Americans between the ages of 18-34 still live with their parents, which equates to about 24 million people. 

Rotondo says he is "not a burden" to his folks, adding he doesn't cost them anything besides "some electricity and some hot water." 

"I don't see why I have to be thrown out on the street," he added. 

Rotondo says he plans to ask the judge to give him three months to figure things out.

He says he doesn't expect to work the situation out with his parents, adding, "I want to get out of the house and move on." 

On Tuesday, Rotondo acted as his own attorney, he said he was never expected to contribute to expenses or to help with chores at his parents' home, where he has lived for the past eight years.

His parents gave him five written notices to get out, they said. The notes were included in their court action.

In one written on Feb. 2, the parents wrote: "Michael, after a discussion with your mother, we have decided that you must leave this house immediately. You have 14 days to vacate. You will not be allowed to return. We will take whatever actions are necessary to enforce this decision. Mark and Christina Rotondo."

On Feb. 18, the parents offered Michael $1,100 to find a new place. They also offered to help him find somewhere to live, and told him he needed to find a job, saying, "There are jobs available even for those with a poor work history like you."

The parents had no comment as they left court. Their son had argued with the judge and at one point approached the bench without permission.

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