People think we're much better off financially then we are..

CH27

Purleygirl wrote: »

Well they invite themselves really..

Next time they do that say sorry we are booked up. We need the money as we are skint. Repeat as needed.

Person_one

valk_scot wrote: »

Then the OP will save even more by not having to send one back, no? Seriously, this poor woman is having to cut back on normal expenses in order to pay for this bunch of unthinking (this is me being charitable btw) !!!!!!!!!!s. Why are we in the UK so bad at being upfront about money? I expect most folk would be mortified to find out that a friend had been struggling to afford their visit. Why not just say something about it?

She's not 'having' to do anything!

If you invite people to stay with you in your house, do you do all the things you mentioned above?

She just needs to be a tiny bit more assertive, not completely unfriendly. Asking your guests for petrol money for picking them up from the airport is just, well...

Person_one

Purleygirl wrote: »

Well they invite themselves really..

Ok, so from now on you treat it like a booking, not like a 'visit'.

Say "Ok, well as its you we'll knock X amount of the rent for the cottage. We're not able to do it for free anymore like we have been doing."

JanCee

You need to treat your holiday let as a business & not like a spare set of rooms. Your friends & family should only have the option to use it out of season at a reduced rate. You could draw up a price list & email it to all concerned at the beginning of the year & offer them the first chance of booking before the weeks are taken.

They may be surprised at first but when you explain that you need the income I am sure they will understand & maybe some of them will realize how selfish they have been in the past.

As for filling up the freezer - just don't do it!

Purleygirl

Thanks everyone for all the replies, for some reason I can't reply to individual posts. Ok, just to say we live in Ireland so tax, college fees, everything is different here. We don't keep inviting people over but of course, if people ask I say yes. Some of our friends and relatives are generous and understanding and insist on helping with petrol. But some just, well, don't help out at all. When I stay at friends in England, I will buy booze, food and if I get a lift to the airport I will leave some money in an envelope in the car. Because I feel if two of us have stayed in a friend's house for three nights, well it's just nice do that for them. It's just been tough going if we've had a family of five staying which has been the case. For friends and relatives, the holiday cottage is treated as an extension of our house, so I wouldn't be asking for any contribution to it, but I know myself that when I stay with people, I do pay my way. I've taken on board what people have said and thanks for the tips. I think we'll say it's unavailable in season as we need the income, that's not unreasonable. Oh and to the person who suggested a part time job, that would be great, I'm looking but hard times here.

burnoutbabe

I'd think of a mates rates schedule for bookings so it looks like you are still being generous.

Errata

We don't keep inviting people over but of course, if people ask I say yes.

Sound like you need to learn to say "no" unless you like beggaring yourself for people who couldn't care less.

Brighton_belle

Purleygirl wrote: »

I think we'll say it's unavailable in season as we need the income, that's not unreasonable.

No that is not remotely unreasonable. It is entirely reasonable. Your visitors don't donate you don't get a donation of their salary do you, lol.
Can you practice in your head the idea of letting them fend for themselves re transport and food too - all with plenty of advanced warning of course. Some people won't know your struggling if there not told. And even if you weren't major struggling, you are still entitled to put money away for your own security and children's future and not fund other peoples holidays.

burnoutbabe wrote: »

I'd think of a mates rates schedule for bookings so it looks like you are still being generous.

Why does the OP 'need to look generous'? They desperately need the income so they need to let it on a commercial basis, otherwise, they still will be struggling. Why should they be guilted into 'mates rates' because they live somewhere nice? We seem to be talking a quarter of the year lost to these bookings, not 2 weeks out of 52.

floss2

Person_one wrote: »

Ok, so from now on you treat it like a booking, not like a 'visit'.

Say "Ok, well as its you we'll knock X amount of the rent for the cottage. We're not able to do it for free anymore like we have been doing."

I think this is the best way forward. As to filing the fridge & freezer, do as any good s/c place would do and provide a basket with bread, jam, eggs, tea, coffee & milk - and let them self cater.

Figgerty

I suppose your guests go home after a free holiday with you to a beautifully furnished home with Sat TV and a nearly new car or two in their driveway. They probably refer to your 'quaint' home and furnishings as being typically Spanish or French etc.

Time to grow some and next time they mention coming to see you, tell them you are hoping to rent out your guest cottage as frankly you need the money. Tell them that in future, you will be willing to rent out the cottage to family and friends, at a reduced rate, provided it is not already rented to a full paying guest.

You should also explain that you will not be available as guides except when they take you out for meals. Also you will only supply tea, milk, bread, butter and cereal for their arrival. Tell them if the wish to experience the real Spain, France etc, a supermarket and local market shopping experience is a necessity.

If you have a very good friend or relative that you feel able to confide in, then do so, as soon as possible and before you are in real financial trouble.