Staying with mil

[ManInYourClothes]

We have agreed with mil that whilst renovating our new house we (dh, myself and dd) will stay with her until early Feb.

She has today sent a list of 'rules' proposing the rent to be 500pcm (we are in a small double with dd). We are not allowed to use the cooker or washing machine but the microwave is free for our use . We must first knock before entering the lounge after 6pm and our showers must be taken before 8am or after 7pm (no baths).

I spoke to her last week about the two single beds currently in the room she wants us in (the smallest of 4 doubles she lives in a 5 bed house). I asked if we could bring our own bed or at least the mattress to put on top, answer was no they will have to be pushed together.. no other reason given.

I have said to dh that I dont think I can live like that and want to find an alternative. He reckons this is all normal and everyone has ground rules. What do you all think?

Errrr no way Jose. You'd be better renting something.

No no no!
OP, can you ask DH to clarify the following for mumsnet:

1. but how will you cook?
2. but where will you wash your clothes?
3. is it market rate for 3 of you to live in 1 smallish room for £500? But with no cooker, washing machine or double bed and knocking before entering rooms.
4. why would you do this?

Run for the hills!!

Not in a million years. These sound like the kind of rules designed to make parasitic lazy bastard relatives who've overstayed their welcome move out.

No, nothing to do with my thread or my situation

My cousin was in a similar situation and they bought a caravan and lived on site with their three children. Worth a thought.

I wasn't thinking that biggles - they would be better off getting a caravan. It sounds much less stressful than living with Attila the Hun.

Oh god don't do it! Book something on airbnb, any extra cost will be worth it.

Don't do it!!! Protect your sanity and go elsewhere

No. Your mil is being ridiculous and you cannot live like that. Your dh must see that or I can foretell a real breakdown in your relationship. As it is I would find it impossible to live with someone who could treat family in that way.

I'd rather sleep in my car that deal with this nonsense! Gumtree has lots of used caravans you could put in your garden. Means you'd be closer to the site to see what's going on too. You could then sell the caravan once you're done.

Lots of areas have a local Facebook page for rentals. Put up an ad with your requirements and you're bound to find someone local with a short term let. A lot of B&Bs do deals for contractors who are staying longer so that might be a cheap option too.

How on earth can your DH think this is "normal"? I can't get over any parent requesting this of their pwn child and family? She would cook her meal at night and eat it, banning you from using the cooker?!