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AIBU?

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To not want my MIL to move into our annexe

363 replies

Groveparkmama · 19/06/2024 09:46

My husband and I are in the process of buying a house which has an annexe. MIL currently lives on her own in a rented house, which she has just found out that the landlord is planning to sell. MIL has now asked whether she can move into the annexe (assuming all goes OK with the house purchase).

I am struggling with how to manage this request. MIL is not in the best of health and, although she (currently) manages living on her own, I worry that I will end up having to help her out and well as run a home, raise two children and hold down a very busy full time job.

MIL and I have an OK relationship but are not particularly close and I find her annoying after spending more than a few hours with her. I do feel sorry for her because she has had a terrible few years with her husband leaving her, ill health and having to sell the former family home.

My feelings are also clouded because my husband does not like my parents, which I find very difficult. It is a very long story, but I don’t agree with his views about my parents. I find it hard to swallow that he can barely stand being in the same room as my parents, but I am being asked to consider having his mother live in our annexe.

My husband and I are financially contributing 50/50 to the house purchase and my husband has already made it clear that MIL would have to pay rent to live in the annexe. The annexe has its own front door and there are no interconnecting doors between it and the main house.

Help!

OP posts:
GalacticalFarce · 19/06/2024 09:56

Ask your dh how he'd feel if your parents moved into the annexe?

Dearg · 19/06/2024 09:55

I couldn’t have done it Op.

DH & I actually talked about parents moving in before we got married. We both had experience of our maternal Grandmothers moving in , and we saw a lot of strain on the family, our mothers especially. We agreed we would never allow that to happen, and I stuck to it, even when MIL wanted to move in during Covid. Like you, I knew it would be me that would have to do the heavy lifting.

What does your husband say when you bring up his mother’s likely care needs? Is he one to help her now? Does he share the load with you today?

If you are wedded to the idea of the house with the annexe, then you need a very clear conversation with DH & then MIL so everyone knows the boundaries.

And I would check the legal situation just to ensure it doesn’t affect care/ care home eligibility in the future.

Catlover1705 · 19/06/2024 09:54

Why are you buying a house with an annexe? Would she still want to move in with you if you had just a spare bedroom? The annexe would be a better option if self contained.

TheABC · 19/06/2024 09:54

What plans did you have for the annexe?
How exactly does your husband intend to enforce rent payment- he's hardly going to make her homeless if she defaults!

You could be stuck with this situation for years. There's more red flags involved than bunting at a fair.

ShouldIEvenBother · 19/06/2024 09:52

Idontjetwashthefucker · 19/06/2024 09:48

No, you will end up being her carer because I guarantee he won't do it, it always falls to the woman

This.

Taking everything you've said into account, it surely has to be a no. If you say yes, this will be how it is and there will most likely be no going back. It will be a huge, huge strain ultimately. Your wellbeing and happiness matters too OP.

PussInBin20 · 19/06/2024 09:52

Can I ask what the reason is you want to buy a house with an annexe, as you must have had intentions for it?

Given the situation I wouldn’t agree to her moving in so YANBU.

litlleseahorse · 19/06/2024 09:51

Idontjetwashthefucker · 19/06/2024 09:48

No, you will end up being her carer because I guarantee he won't do it, it always falls to the woman

THIS. You will end up being her carer. It will start with small things, "oh come on, its just a bit of laundry", then it will escalate to "come on, its just helping her quickly in the mornings to get dressed- I cant do it, I'm male and her son, it wouldnt be appropriate blah blah blah" until before you know it, your frog is boiled and you are doing every bloody thing. Say no, then say no some more, then say an extra no. Your husband is being unbelievably hypocritical.

friendlycat · 19/06/2024 09:50

This sounds very difficult and even more so with your husband's attitude towards your parents.

I would not want this and yes you will end up being her carer just by default. I would seriously reconsider buying this house.

Twotimesrhymes · 19/06/2024 09:50

I wouldn’t do it

HoarseSoprano · 19/06/2024 09:50

Honestly, I’d be reconsidering buying a house with an annexe. Surely this came up when you were considering this house — what were you thinking about for the annexe?

I wouldn’t contemplate living with my parents or ILs if the world were crumbling around our ears, but DH feels similarly.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 19/06/2024 09:48

No, you will end up being her carer because I guarantee he won't do it, it always falls to the woman

Lola2024 · 19/06/2024 09:48

No no no!

Do not do it.

Do not buy the house.

Consider leaving your husband he sounds like a very unpleasant man.

RishiIsACuntWaffle · 19/06/2024 09:48

Charge her rent and she will have to pay the council tax too.
Unless you have plans for the annexe.

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