To have changed my mind about letting some people stay in our house while we are away

The number of people suggesting to say that insurance won't cover guests is astounding. And then adding, it likely won't, is even more ludicrous. What is wrong with everyone? 🤦‍♀️

Am I missing something, or is the only problem that you don’t think the house is primped up enough for these people? They won’t care. Or if they do, they’ll just make some polite excuse and walk away. And tell EVERYONE how messy your house is, and you’ll just DIE…

Oh, FFS :-)

Offering for close friends and family, no problem. But for someone you barely know and not even them but their in-laws? 2 totally different circumstances.

I’d say your insurance won’t cover in the event of something happening. And in all honesty, they probably wouldn’t.

No, it's just a MN thing. I've never encounter such attitude in real life!

Only on MN are people shocked/horrified/ outraged at the idea of having friends or family staying over - even their own kids are a nuisance.

This. Don't stress about it

Yes, everyone. 😵‍💫

Seriously, though, it does seem to be a bit cultural. 🤷‍♀️
No offence intended in my comment.

Are you assuming everyone on this thread is British?

This must be a very culturally British repulsion. If a friend or even acquaintance asked for help in a matter like this I'd offer to help if I could. I might only offer a few nights, but if I could help, I would.

Why should her colleagues have to put up with them if they're a nuisance, or why didn't she just give them a list of hotels in the area (if they're incapable of using Google)

House too small?

Or maybe they are annoying guests. Get up v early, noisy, etc.

Yes, I'm in the US and this kind of offer/request isn't unusual at all. I'm rather taken aback that people have responded so vehemently to the idea!

Why didn't she put them up? I don't understand!

I really don’t see it. I would hate to have strangers staying in my home - and would never have a lodgers, turn my home into an air bnb or run a bed and breakfast.

there is nothing ironic about that? This family need holiday accommodation - the majority of people don’t rent out their homes as airbnbs or bed and breakfasts.?

There's an irony to the posts on this thread claiming madness at the concept of having strangers stay in your home, and instead suggesting they should Airbnb, a business that started with the concept of having strangers stay in your home.

Another irony is that at least where I live, if it wasn't for bastard Airbnbs then more locals might be able to find or afford a property big enough to host their own friends and family 🤷🏻‍♀️

It's not cheeky to put a general message on a group chat where people can ignore at their choice. It would be cheeky to walk up to a total stranger and ask for the use of their home.
Sometimes doing something different gives you a wider view of life.

It’s cheeky to ask to have total random strangers to stay in someone’s home !

tight wads I’d say …give them the details of a nearby hotel or hostel actually by the sounds of it they are cheap skates 😀

FFS, It's not cheeky to ask! OP offered up hers and now wants to back out. Fine, but that's rude. OP hasn't explained why the other mum is asking, but it doesn't matter anyway.
BTW, it might be fun hosting people from another country. And they will likely reciprocate if you decide to travel to their country.

Cheeky bugger, tell them to pay for a hotel or Air BnB like everyone else does!

This is definitely a case of ‘don’t let someone else’s problem become your problem.’ I am generally a generous and friendly person , but this would be a no for me .

Deeply strange to ask for this on a school what's app page. Say you've had a gas leak or some remedial and dangerous work that needs doing whilst you're away and never offer something so bonkers again

I just think it's amazing that some people on MN are called needy for wanting a reply to a text, and then there's this friend who takes CFness to a new level.

I agree with pp , it depends on when she is coming , I'd say if it's more than 2 or 3 weeks away then back out but less than that really isn't fair .
There is no way I'd of agreed to this in the 1st place unless perhaps I had a self contained granny annexe.

ASKING is not demanding, of course she is not a piss taker 🙄
Only on MN do people get offended by absolutely anything. I am guessing it's people who never dare saying "no" in real life and are terrified of normal adult interactions?

OP, unless they are arriving within the next 2 days, you need to man/woman up, and just say it's not going to work. It's not that hard to say no.

Tell her you would have liked to have helped but your DH said no way to having strangers stay in his home. Text her asap before she comes round.

People like you are my pet peeve. Why would you say yes to such a thing and then back out? You’ve put yourself in this ridiculous position.