To think ILs and DH should utilise this opportunity better

[FleursDeFilles]

MIL has no savings. FIL died 10 years ago. DH has one sister who rents with her husband. DH earns well and bought his parents' council house outright. The house is in Bedford. The house has been vacant since FIL died. MIL lives in her sister's council flat in London. SIL is also in London. MIL doesn't want to live alone. Their family home in Bedford is like a ghost house of a family who once lived there.

AIBU to think it is such a waste that they won't rent it out? It could all go into MIL's savings and offer her a much more comfortable life. She lives incredibly frugally, wears a woolly hat and coat indoors. I just feel like things could be so much better.

MIL refuses to throw anything out or organise things in the Bedford home. She won't go back to live in the house. SIL isn't interested in the house. DH doesn't want to sell as neither MIL nor SIL have a property of their own and would like there to be somewhere as a back up (I agree too although generally not any of my business).

However, the house, having been vacant for a decade is becoming increasingly unliveable. It is a mess - no furniture covered in sheets, dishes still out. I just don't understand how they can leave a property empty and not make the most of it. I think it's so irresponsible. I feel like my IL's could be futureproofing and preparing for the future in a more savvy way. AIBU? What would you do if that was your family house?

Also is it properly insured? Most home insurance require it to be occupied and not left for more than a month
Seems like all sorts of problems and a total waste of money. If it is impacting your joint finances then I definitely think you should discuss it with him and try to get some progress on getting it cleared out and rented/sold

Yep. This. My MIL lives in one of a pair of chocolate box cottages. The other one, next door, is empty. It drives me mad. We're in property on both sides of the family so it's not like there isn't the ability there to prepare the cottage and let it. She just won't. She could be putting £1000 pcm (more if she tapped into the tourist market) away for her four grandchildren.

Just to echo what others have said about insurance . When my FIL died whilst waiting for the probate and selling the house the insurance company would cover it (empty) but it had to have frequent regular visits to make sure all in order & during the winter month the heating had to left on at 15 degrees which would lessen the chance of damp burst pipes etc . I agree unless any insurance is checked with the company any incidents could be very expensive.