to send a bill for the gas/elec/water/etc in return?

[Tinklewinkle]

We live in a popular holiday area and had some friends staying with us for a couple of weeks. They went home on Sunday.

They've always been really good friends, and we've always got on really well, their kids are the same age as ours and get on well too. We've been on holiday with them before and it was fine, although this is the first time they've stayed with us for more than a weekend

Anyway, one evening they'd been out and they rang to see if we needed anything from the shop on their way home. I asked them to grab some milk and a loaf of bread.

When they came in I was given the receipt - for about £2.50. I didn't have any cash in the house so apologised and said I'd sort it out the next day. Then, I'll be honest, completely forgot about it. Nothing more was said until they left on Sunday when they reminded them I owed them the £2.50. I had about 70p in cash in the house so apologised and gave them that.

I got a text this morning to remind me that I still owe the remainder and giving their bank details so I could do a bank transfer.

I've transferred the money as I can't be arsed hearing any more about it, but I think they've got a thunderingly massive bloody cheek.

They've pretty much got a free holiday out of us. They've stayed in our house for free, used water, gas, electricity. They ate breakfast here every morning, we fed them about 50% of evening meals, they used the washing machine and tumble drier, they've had tea, coffee, cold drinks, snacks, etc, etc, so I'm somewhat miffed that they've quibbled about £2.50 and feel like sending them a bill for 2 weeks worth of B&B.

We didn't actually invite them, they wanted to come here and asked if they could stay with us. We nearly always have people staying in the summer holidays, we don't mind in the slightest, we enjoy having guests and are happy to look after them, but I now feel like a mug

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

I am well and truly gobsmacked!

I would have to reply with the message that nocabbage put together. Exactly as it is worded here.

Then I'd add a sentence "I do hope this gets you out of whatever financial burden you're currently under as I cannot fathom why you would be requesting the paltry sum of money otherwise" and leave it at that.

[gamerchick]

No don't text that it's not assertive.

if you must say something then say something like 'I've transferred the pennies you've harped on for.. Good job I'm not sending you an invoice for your free holiday eh?' ... It's mildly passive aggressive sort of but it's clear in its meaning and then say no to any other requests for free board and lodgings in future with a list of b&bs for them to look at.

[SoupDragon]

"Hi, I transferred the £1.80 as you asked. I hope you enjoyed your free 2 week holiday."

[CiderwithBuda]

I would send no cabbage's email up thread.

Or add on to yours "given that we hosted you for two weeks with all the extra costs associated with that such as food, drink, utilities etc."

[gamerchick]

Actually with fuzzys add on your text is perfect.

Say no in future though. Freeloaders are a pain in the emotions.

[StillStayingClassySanDiego]

Send cabbage's text, it's perfect.

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

Having had a few more minutes to think about how to word a text, I'd have to say something along the lines of:

I've asked around some of the B&B places and their rates for staying are X per week. So, for mates I've decided it's going to be Y amount. You can let me know if and when you would like to settle up as I only had 1.80 left until my next payday" (they don't need to know that you have more)

Let them squirm. They deserve to. Cheeky feckers!!!

[ENtertainmentAppreciated]

We never stay with them. We moved away a few years ago, but my parents still live there so we usually stay with my parents (we have a dog, my mum has a spare room, so it's a million times easier) and then just meet up for a takeaway (which we go halves for) or something

It's all absolutely insane.

All well and good with hindsight but it's a shame you didn't ask one of your parents to turn up on their doorstep with a pint of milk and a loaf.

[Fatmomma99]

I'm also agog at this thread. Incredible. As someone said upthread, understandable if they're skint and/or aspergers (or some other SN), but otherwise incredible.

There are some fantastic suggestions on here, and I hope you do use one of them, but if it were me, I wouldn't bill them - that's rude plus sinking to their level plus you wouldn't do it for other guests you have to stay. However, I would list the costs you incurred.

I would also point out that they ate the bread/drank the milk that they charged you the full price for.

And I would think very carefully about how these people were to feature in my life in the future.

Good luck, and please do let us know what you send in the end (and their response, of course!)

(place marking)

[Tinklewinkle]

Part of me just wants to leave it at transferring the money and then just never inviting them/saying no when they ask, but at the same time I feel like a mug. I'm hovering over sending nocabbage's email now

I really don't mind having people to stay, I don't expect gifts or anything, in fact I prefer the ones who treat us like a hotel and do their own thing (there's only so many times you can visit X castle/National Trust property) and I don't really expect people to contribute. We're quite laid back, my house is your house, etc, but actually being asked for £2.50 is a stretch too far, even for me.

[ProvisionallyAnxious]

Yep, cabbage's email was excellent. The text you've suggested needs to have something on the end of it to explain the context (i.e. you giving them a free holiday!) rather than just saying you were hurt to be asked for such a small amount - otherwise they might not "get it" IYSWIM!

[ThomasRichard]

Yes please do send it. They need to know that their behaviour is grabby and rude.

[YellowTulips]

I think you are all far to nice

I'd just text a link to this thread tbh with no comment.

[WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant]

Have you sent it yet?

[middlethird]

Well cheeky!

But beware, this happened to a friend of mine... she got an email back stating all the things the guests had done for her while staying! It didn't end well!

I'd have to say something about the sheer pettiness of the amount. £250 yes, £2.50??? Fucking arses.

[ProvisionallyAnxious]

I'd just text a link to this thread tbh with no comment.

[HackerFucker22]

If it were me and I was as good friends with them as OP says she is then I'd have had words. They would have included "fuck" and "off" incase anyone is is any doubt.

I cannot seriously believe that this actually happened not calling you a liar OP but it is just so ludicrous over £2.50. I'd think it was a piss take if it was over £25 to be honest!!

[Tinklewinkle]

OK, have texted.

[Queenbean]

I would definitely tell them!

Although, I actually wouldn't let someone take advantage of me like that - I'd have asked for them to pay for some of the food shopping when they were there. And I'd have not transferred the money in the first place. So of course call them on it.

[BlahBlahUsername]

{Waiting with bated breath...}

[SouthWesterlyWinds]

What did you text? I quite liked Mintyy's.

Cheeky beggars!

[Grumpyoldblonde]

Is there any way MNHQ can 'suspend' this thread until later? I am trying to work but sitting here riveted!! cant wait to hear the response to your text

[nocabbageinmyeye]

Another one saying send my email

[HackerFucker22]

Gosh just seen it wasn't even for the full £2.50.

I think I'd have gone down the "can we work out a payment plan please" route.

Fuckers.

Seriously you have to say something and you have to make your point. Don't ask of everything is ok, tell them they are cheeky, grabby fuckers and you are very disappointed at their meaness and pettiness.

[nocabbageinmyeye]

Oh I see you text, what did you say?

You'll be glad you did, it was too cheeky to let go. Well done op