SIL bought her council house about 5 years ago for quite a bit under it's value and has a small mortgage as a result. She told us at the time it was under £20k.
She lives in a four in a block of which the other three houses are still council rented.
She has received a letter from the council saying that the roof needs work. The letter set out her share of the cost. She can pay it up over a few years.
The same council has announced tenants are going to get new windows, kitchens and bathrooms. The council has offered to do SIL'S windows at the same time and add it to the cost of the roof.
SIL has been over at our house this afternoon quite angry about the fact she has to pay for the roof (that she says she doesn't use) and it's not fair she isn't getting new windows, kitchen or bathroom for 'free' like the council tenants.
DH tried to explain to her that she would have been told about her obligations for repairs etc before she bought the house. He has suggested that she speak to her mortgage company about adding the cost on to the mortgage. DH has suggested she look at her deedsto see what the clauses were for maintenance.
SIL is convinced she shouldn't pay and the council is being unfair to her. She won't listen to reason and is convinced that she is right. She has gone home in a huff as we apparently aren't supportive as we disagree with her.
DH wants to go to SIL'S tomorrow to look for her deeds, speak to her mortgage company and on Tuesday call the council for a meeting to discuss the works on SIL'S behalf. I said that he should help her look for the right information and point her towards getting the best advice but he shouldn't essentially step in to sort it out.
FIL, MIL and SIL have form for expecting DH to set in and sort things out. SIL buying the house was the first time DH didn't step in and organise everything. It was the first time SIL really stood on her own feet.
MIL has been on the phone soon asking DH to sort everything out as has FIL (they are divorced).
DH thinks it is unreasonable for him to not step it and sort everything as SIL won't be able to do so. I think it is unreasonable for DH to be expected to sort everything and that SIL needs to do it herself. DH's role should be to advise only. Wibu?