Real-life MMD: Should I charge my sister's colleague for bed & board?

Prothet_of_Doom

roy_c wrote: »

I think the fact that you agreed to it beforehand you need to swallow it and see if something is volunteered which I'm sure something will in some form or another. Also it is a learning curve for yourself. If you charge now I think it will put your sister in an embarrassing situation.

I think this is almost right, but I see no harm in saying to the sister, "Look I agreed to this, but I really can't afford to feed you both, so perhaps you'd get colleague to make a donation"

Then feed them veggie curry, with no meat.

babushkava

I think being a blunt Belfast gal stands me in good stead, since we just say what we want to say and nobody gets offended. I don't think we know how to be offended.
So I would just say to your sister, when she arrives and you have a moment without her colleague, So, how shall we divvy up the costs for the week? Thirds?
I think that as soon as you hear from your sister that they are going to chip in, you won't mind about washing some sheets and pillowcases.

tgroom57

Your arrangement with your sister & her colleague should be for Bed & breakfast only, leaving them to sort their own evening meal. Bed & breakfast is much easier to cost & budget for than including an evening meal.

When I worked away I paid £25 - £30 a night for Bed & Breakfast. I was on my own, so had mostly microwave meals in the evening, but as there are 2 they may want to go out for dinner after work.

alittlemadam

Be upfront with your sister, speak to both her and her colleague before they actually arrive on your door step and explain to them both that whilst you dont mind them staying with you, they are unfortuantely going to have to pay somemthing towards there keep, as you cant afford to keep them both rent free.

Explain that there is the cost of the extra food, gas, electric, wear and tear on your appliances etc etc and agree a cost before they arrive even if it be only £10 a night each. Ask them if work are paying them to stay out over night if so then ask what it is and im sure they wouldnt mind paying you something out of it.

you could if you felt guilty always give her her half of the money back after they have left.

annettej67

Most house guests are thoughtful and polite enough to repay the host via a gift or a dinner. Not on to charge the colleague but not the sister.

Brian_Steele

Whether you charge for bed (ie make a small profit) is up to you, but board to pay for your actual expenses is entirely reasonable.

Best thing to do, I reckon, is to explain this to your sister and let her have the uncomfortable conversation!

Elisecas

I'd stress a lot less about this. I think you're thinking about this one too hard...

The vast majority of people really appreciate a host and will contribute out of politeness and manners. In return, I wouldn't ask for money, but accept the contribution or lightly suggest ways in which they might do so.

Yes, do ask if there happens to be a subsidence amount from the company. Whether the answer is yes or no, you could simply say to your sister, "Well, it would be fab if you guys could sort dinner on Tuesday and Thursday - would you prefer to do takeout or cook? And if you could pick up bread and milk, or whatever you fancy for breakfast on the way that would be great."

Sorted. No awkward conversation. And if they happen to take you somewhere nice, stock the fridge or bring flowers, you may be gracious.

onesixfive

You cannot charge the colleague without charging your sister - thats not fair. Anyway it was your sister that put you in this awkward situation - she needs to get you out of it. Have a word with her privately.
For the sake of a week, electric, gas, water charges will be minimal.
But if they expect to eat with you, it could triple your food bill, and this needs addressing.
Set off the week with you providing breakfast on the first day, during which you announce - "a quick trip to the supermarket" pre-tonight's evening meal, "to establish everyone's tastes! for the week", (giving a pre-warned perfect opportunity for your sister & her friend to discuss splitting the costs - either 2 or 3 ways).

Basia02

I would certainly discuss a contribution before they arrive (if they haven't already offered) and to be fair both should make the same contribution to save embarrasment, but then you can give your sisters back to her

Cimscate

I'm actually quite surprised that the sister never volunteered anything when she asked if her colleague could stay. Whilst it's lovely having family to stay it's completely different having a stranger in your house demanding extra housework etc (or is that just me!!)

All companies pay overnight costs so if they are just keeping that for themselves it's pretty mean to say the least. Definitely a conversation with the sister saying you've been thinking about the logistics and need to discuss house rules, budgets etc.

We don't know who the colleague is, could be a man friend and they expect to sleep together for all we know. As always, it's good to talk......:T:T