We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I ask the neighbours staying with us for rent?

MSE_Kelvin
MSE_Kelvin Posts: 375 MSE Staff
Seventh Anniversary 10 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

They moved in with us while their home's being refurbished. It was expected to take one month, but now after two months it looks like they may be here for another two or three. They're contributing to utility bills, but if they're staying longer, should I also charge rent to cover additional wear and tear on our household appliances, carpets and so on?

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be a point of debate and discussed at face value.

B  If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.
  Got a Money Moral Dilemma of your own? Suggest an MMD.
«1345

Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 35,095 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Do you want them to stay longer, is the pertinent question?

    I presume they are friends as well as neighbours, because otherwise I can't see why you'd have them with you for that length of time in the first place.
    If they are friends then you should be able to have a sensible conversation about whether what they are paying covers what you need it to. Forget wear and tear on carpets and appliances, that's neither here nor there. It would be costing them a heck of a lot more to stay anywhere else - how much does what they are paying now reflect the extra costs and inconvenience of having them around? How keen are you to get rid of them? What happens if they're still there after 3 months. A lot of it depends on the relationship between you all.


    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have, not could of.
  • 74jax
    74jax Posts: 7,930 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What are they having done that was talking 1 month and now will take 6 months. 
    Is your house big enough, are you happy to do this? If so I'd forget wear and tear of a carpet.... How much walking can they do on it....... 
    Forty and fabulous, well that's what my cards say....
  • pbartlett
    pbartlett Posts: 1,397 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    you don't say what 'staying with you' means, but if they have their own area etc you might find yourself inadvertantly creating a tenancy....
  • Robroy79
    Robroy79 Posts: 26 Forumite
    10 Posts Photogenic
    Nope - not for that, your carpets aren't going to wear out quicker because that time when they came to stay. Money for the utilities and some decent wine is fair as you're on good terms with them and good trusting neighbours are like rocking horse sh....
  • Pennylane
    Pennylane Posts: 2,721 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    I’d say no, but you should ask them if they have any idea how much longer they will need to stay at yours.  That is a long time to share your home with neighbours.  It’s better to ask now and get an answer than to fall out over this. 
  • Is this coming up because you’re getting fed up of having them there and you’re looking for a way to gently nudge them out, or are you looking to make some money out of the situation? 
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 241K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.