Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix defends still sharing home with ex Tom Sandoval to avoid ‘uprooting’ her dog and elderly cat: ‘I keep my door locked’

Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix defended her choice to continue living under the same roof as her ex-boyfriend, Tom Sandoval, five months after their divorce.

While working through the end of their nine-year relationship, following his fling with her boyfriend Raquel Leviss, the former couple continued to live in the Los Angeles home they bought for $2 million in 2019.

Despite Bethenny Frankel recently criticizing their awkward living situation on her Just B podcast, the reality star stated she won’t “crowd out” by making hasty decisions.

“I’ve never been one who came from money. I know how quickly that goes away,” she explained. “I take care of myself.”

The TV personality went on to say that she is “not rich” and has a mortgage and other burdens.

“A lot of people on the internet seem to think I’m currently bringing in money. I have a lot of places that money has to go before I get it,” she continued.

Despite living with Sandoval, the actress made it clear that she keeps their interactions to a minimum.

“I have a pretty decent setup,” she said. “My room is a bit like my little apartment… I stay in my own little zone.”

In addition, Madix said she keeps her door “locked just in case” and sleeps more easily at night and doesn’t worry if he comes through the door.

“Yes, we’re in the same house, but I don’t have to think about[him],” the former bartender told listeners.

Earlier this week, the Buying Back My Daughter star explained why she hasn’t moved in the comments section of one of her recent Instagram posts.

“I’m living in my home that I own while working with my attorney and financial advisors to find the best way forward before I uproot my dog ​​and my older cat and cause even more trauma for the three of us,” she told a follower.

Trying to stay cordial: While working through the end of their nine-year relationship, following his fling with her boyfriend Raquel Leviss, the former couple continued to live in the Los Angeles home they bought for $2 million in 2019 (pictured last year )

Open book: Earlier this week, the Buying Back My Daughter star explained why she hasn’t moved in the comments section of one of her recent Instagram posts

“I’m living in my home that I own while working with my attorney and financial advisors to find the best way forward before I uproot my dog ​​and my older cat and cause even more trauma for the three of us,” she told a follower ( Madix and Sandoval’s dogs pictured above)

Madix is ​​currently in a relationship with her new boyfriend, Daniel Wai, who she says has “a very grounding, calming, positive energy.”

“He’s really nice, he’s always trying to help with things,” she told Shay.

The bombshell was excited about how he likes to help her with everyday tasks, like calling her credit card company.

As for their future together, Madix said she will keep doing what makes her “happy” and moving in that direction.

“He’s someone who brings a lot of good luck,” she continued, prompting 38-year-old Shay to say she’s “obsessed” with Wai.

Shay went on to say that unlike her boyfriend’s “past relationships,” this one brings out “the best” in Madix.

“You’re for the first time with someone—I’ve personally ever seen—who supports you, who loves to help you and empower you and who also takes the backseat and just makes you shine,” Shay praised.